I first fell in love with jazz music in Armenia.

It was during my first visit.  My volunteer coordinator’s supervisor was a jazz lover, and he would take us all to restaurants or the one main hotel’s cafe (this was before all the hotels and cafes began to spring up everywhere) where some amazing music was being played.  I was captivated by the rhythms and harmonies and improvising that I heard… I was told that many of these artists had been playing as underground musicians for years; I could only imagine how rewarding it must have been for them to finally be able to freely play and perform the music that they had lived and breathed for so long. 

Following that first taste of live jazz music, I have had the chance to hear peformances in different parts of the world… during my travels, during festivals… And so, it was without much hesitation that my husband and I decided to see Wynton Marsalis and the Jazz at Lincoln Centre Orchestra when they were in town 2 weeks ago. 

What a fantastic show!  I love watching other performers, listening to how they breathe new life into a piece, learning from them… and Mr. Marsalis and his orchestra are such gifted musicians.  The soloists were incredible; the choice of music, outstanding.  This group is so passionate about their work – you can feel their enthusiasm for every phrase, every note, every rest… all of us in the audience were mesmerized…

My favourite part of the evening was meeting the musicians after the show.  They were just as happy to talk to us; one of them, the highly talented soloist and composer, Ted Nash, was even familiar with Armenian culture!

I highly recommend seeing this show if it is in your city.  And for those of you who have never really been into jazz… it might just be what makes you fall in love with this music…