Switched our Friday night to Sunday in order to go see McCoy Tyner in concert at Georgia Tech last night. It can be very humbling if we stop to compare our talents with theirs. My advice, don't do it; just enjoy the performance.

In addition to his excellent trio (acoustic bass and drums), he had with him Savion Glover (world-renowned tap dancer). Despite the excellent performance of this 69 year old jazz master, it was Glover that got the prolonged standing ovation. Although it didn't seem to bother Mr. Tyner (the headliner), I felt a little guilty. Why? Because I felt that I was applauding 'performance' over music. But then I thought, being able to perform tap (at an incredible, tear-bringing, heart-stopping, level) to such intricate and complex jazz compositions, has to require a superior level of musicianship in and of itself.

The Ferst Center for the Arts was packed to the rafters with (I assume) jazz aficionados, but it was the performer that brought the house down. Kudos to you GOOD performer out there.

chas

Well said, Chas. Of course it takes someone as secure as McCoy Tyner to graciously share the stage and appreciate the diversity involved.

And, I bet neither one wore a chicken hat.

R.


[This message has been edited by captain Russ (edited 02-16-2008).]

I saw McCoy Tyner a few years back at N.O. Jazzfest. Outsatnding!

I gave up thinking about a career in jazz pretty early on. That's a bar that's just to high for me to even make a run at it! Once you hear a world class rhythm section like that, it sure makes sitting down at your arranger that much harder to do!

I try to play with REAL players as much as I possible can, though. Otherwise, I run the risk of thinking that an arranger actually sounds good...

Thanks for the link, Donny. I love it when I see young people rise up to save a dying art form and do it so, so well. I can assure you that the smile and joy you see here comes through in his live performance.

chas

I wonder how often McCoy changes arrangers?

Now, now, Diki. Don't start trouble. I happen to know that he changes pianos for practically every major concert. He needs to stop being so wishy-washy .

chas