WDR Big Band, Dafnis Prieto, Eliel Lazo, and John Daversa

Superb musicianship from every member of this ensemble of soloists under the visionary leadership of Dafnis Prieto. How lucky are we to hear them just before they head into the studio to record on Monday and Tuesday!

Let's imagine a dialectic between digital and analog musical experiences. Live performance is analog. Auto-tune and algorithm-selected playlists are digital.

Last night's opening night at Jazz Standard was analog at its richest and most riveting. To see the interaction among the musicians, to hear a broadened tonal spectrum that includes wonderfully fluent baritone sax and bass trombone, to feel the rhythmic complexity and taut strength of professionalism (and to smell and taste the chopped BBQ on a just-right skillet of mac & cheese) was profoundly joyful. Memories for a lifetime were co-created!

Mentors were there (including Henry Threadgill, a hero of creative music and Pulitzer Prizewinner).

Go, if your schedule allows!