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Jazz Event: Ray Vega Sextet
Saturday, May 22, 5:15pm
John Irish, Reviewer
Ray Vega is a staple of the New York jazz scene, particularly on Latin bands such as Mongo Santamaria and Tito Puente, with whom he has played lead for the past six years. He amply exhibited his skill in Latin music and straight-ahead jazz, providing a unique combination that would prove to excite the entire room. The group consisted of pianist Igor Atilata, bassist Donald Nix, drummer Adam Weber, and conga player Jerome Goldschmidt.
The afternoon concert began with Vega and his group performing a lively, modern treatment of Alone Together. Vega soared up and down the instrument showing his excellent jazz ability. This first tune of the concert also showcased his pianist, bassist, and congero on solos that were equally scintillating. Vega next invited Thomas Marriott, winner of the 1999 Carmine Caruso Competition, up to the stage. My Romance featured these two on beautifully with virtuosic solos ably backed by the rhythm section. Vega offered a unique sound on the tune by playing flugelhorn with a harmon mute.
A conga solo cadenza started the next piece, Footprints by Wayne Shorter, which paid tribute to Miles Davis. Davis' 75th birthday was one day before May 26. Layers of sound were added by other rhythm instruments, which unfolded into the tune's head and subsequent solos. A driving solo by Marriott generated a rush of energy that typified the entire concert. Vega then relaxed the feel providing his own stunning display. This tune also featured Weber on an imaginative drum solo that received a warm round of applause. The piece closed with Vega and Marriott trading a series of fours and then playing the head in unison, which was capped off with a duelling final cadenza.
The beautiful standard What's New received a lush treatment by Vega and the trio. Marriott then took up the solo in a more spirited tempo and feel after which Vega added his lyrical and reflective voice. After a bass solo by Nix, Marriott and Vega took turns with the tune to bring the song to an introspective end.
Vega talked about his new Max trumpet (a prototype model from the Colin company) and his sponsorship at the conference by Colin. Reflecting on meeting the young Marriott a few years back, Vega spoke on the importance of jazz education and the need for young students to play jazz.
A Latin feel for Autumn Leaves then exploded, fuelled by Vega's exciting trumpet playing. Marriott contributed a fitting solo followed by a driving samba-like feel in the piano and rhythm section. A bass solo gave way to the two trumpeters trading fours culminating in such great intensity that it brought the house down.
On a piece with a driving Latin feel, Vega signed off by introducing his musicians again and closing out the set. We were all treated to a fabulous display of Latin Jazz that won't soon be forgotten. (John Irish, assistant professor of music, Angelo State University, San Angelo, TX) |
