ITG 2004

Joseph Bowman, reporter

John McNeil has been receiving critical acclaim for his contemporary jazz playing for the last 30 years. His appearance at this years ITG conference coincided with the release of his latest recording, Sleep Won’t Come. His performance, together with Jeff Jenkins – piano and Kent McLagan – bass, featured works from the album, all of which were composed by McNeil.

McNeil began the performance with a set of three songs that were played without pause. They included The Other World, Nanotech, and Each Moment Remains. McNeil explained to the audience that the music from the album is meant to evoke the thoughts and feelings you have when you lie awake at 4 a.m., and just cannot get to sleep. McNeil played with restrained elegance, which brought to mind the sounds of the later years of Miles Davis. In keeping with the spirit of the album, no solos were over the top. Each had its own particular cool groove, with wonderfully rich, contemporary harmonies. John played three additional tunes during the concert, highlighted by a fun number titled Polka Band. The audience consisting of very open-minded jazz fans, enjoyed the contemporary sounds and idioms that were expressed throughout the concert.