This is History In the Making.....
by Jesman617 on 7/3/17B.B. King Blues Club & Grill - New YorkOf course, my bias towards this legendary artist - makes my review - a third experience in my years' exchange with one of my musical Idols....seem embellished. Nothing can be further from the truth. Monsieur Ponty is the epitome of base styles, improvisation, innovation and cosmic energy; infused within that romanticism and accentuation....that defines the fusioned jazz violinist. As I look at his white hair and thin build, I am reminded of just how long he has been a mainstay of my life's theme music.....in 1978, I first heard COSMIC MESSENGER, and it was an initiation for me musically. Then I started seeing this name PONTY on album credits of grooves I had already engaged in......from Duke to Zappa. I began saving my quarters, buying up as much of this cat's work as a 17 year old could get his hands on........so when JLP LIVE! was a featured album of Howard University's WHUR concert series.....and I turned my budds on to this dude.....well, we all were hooked by then!! I loved the show. I came up from DC just to see my man; would go as far as my money would take me to see Ponty. Last time I saw him as 97 in Sayresville, NJ.....and that show was too short (a little dive club).....I was supposed to see him 10 years later here at WOLF TRAP, but I let my wife drive - and WE GOT LOST!!!! I WAS LIVID!!!!!! SO this show was very important to me. We dont know just how much time we have together on this "Blue Planet", with so many artist passing on before thier time. I realize Ponty is not a youngin' anymore (about the same age as his mentor(Shephane Grappelli) was when he came under him), and to see him take on proteges now - and incorporate them in HIS shows (pay it forward Jean-Luc!!) was icing on the cake for me. I JUST HOPE AND PRAY THAT JLP WILL COME BACK TO AMERICA VERY SOON......missed that one opportunity when he and another ICON of mines - Jon Anderson of YES! ...toured last year. PS.....Whoever is managing his website - please update the discography and incorporate more information on tours and collaborations and HISTORY!! THIS WAS HISTORY IN THE MAKING......I was honored to be in the midst of such and event - looking forward to more Mystical Adventures from the Rites of Strings!!!!!I WONT BE LATE NEXT TIME!!!Missed an hour of my life because of traffic to NYC.