Big band gives big show at the PAC
The February night warmed with the sounds of saxes and trombones when the Smithsonian Masterworks Jazz Orchestra with singer Kim Nazarian presented a tribute to Ella Fitzgerald Feb. 7. The show at the KSU at Tuscarawas Performing Arts Center brought old standards to new life.As Charlie Young, the orchestra leader, explained, the Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra was founded after the Smithsonian Museum made the music of Duke Ellington part of its collection. In order to display the music, it must be played—and boy, did Young and the band play. From the opening bars when the perfectly balanced big-band blend washed over the audience, it was clear the Duke’s legacy was in safe hands.
Joining the band as vocalist, Kim Nazarian wisely did not attempt to mimic Ella Fitzgerald’s distinctive and memorable voice, but rendered the spirit of Fitzgerald’s singing in her own polished tones. She set the trend for the evening with her first number, a bubbly, boppy “Accentuate the Positive.”
Nazarian, a Cleveland resident and founding member of the vocal quartet New York Voices, enhanced the performance with her anecdotes of Fitzgerald’s career and the careers of the great American songwriters whose music she performed. Her duet with veteran trumpeter Tom Williams on the Gerschwins’ “They Can’t Take that Away from Me,” an homage to Fitzgerald’s rendition with Louis Armstrong, brought the first murmurs and whistles of appreciation from the crowd.
Ella Fitzgerald was noted for her ability to sing in many styles and tempos, and in the slow ballad “A Flower is a Lovesome Thing,” Nazarian brought out the nuances of timing and dynamic range. Her control and sensitivity riveted the attention, and the warmth of her tender alto moved the heart.
But it wouldn’t be Ella without scat singing. Nazarian brought out her bebop on “Honeysuckle Rose” and “Lady Be Good” with speed, flexibility and a great sense of fun.
The instrumental selections were chosen to demonstrate the band members’ virtuosity. A distinguished group including alumni of the United States Navy Band, the Army Blues, the U.S. Army Jazz Band, the Duke Ellington Orchestra and the Benny Goodman Orchestra, the musicians played impeccably when backing and exhilaratingly when soloing. The progression of solos through the sections on Ellington’s “Who, Me?” was a particular treat.
Throughout the evening, every performer onstage showed a combination of professional polish and mastery along with effervescent joy onstage that was irresistible. And going out into the snow afterwards didn’t seem quite so chilly with the memory of the sweet horns still singing.
Upcoming performances at the Performing Arts Center include “Chicago” Feb. 20 and 21 and “The Pink Floyd Experience” March 7. For more information, call 330-308-6400 or visit www.tusc.kent.edu/pac.