VANGUARD JAZZ ORCHESTRA - OCT, NOV
Village Vanguard178 7th Avenue South, New York 10014
The Vanguard Jazz Orchestra brings its Monday-night Village Vanguard residency to the late set. This is the orchestra’s standing big-band engagement, rather than a small-combo date: a 16-piece ensemble built around brass, reeds and rhythm section. No special theme, guest or release is listed for this performance.
A New York institution with roots in 1966, the band began as the Thad Jones/Mel Lewis Orchestra, later becoming the Mel Lewis Orchestra before taking its present name. Its enduring book includes Thad Jones music and work associated with Bob Brookmeyer and Jim McNeely. New World Records calls the group’s Monday performances “a tradition without parallel.” Critics have praised both the depth of the arrangements and the force of the playing: All About Jazz called it a “hellacious big band,” while Jazz.com heard “riotous full band polyphony” alongside featured solos. The New York Times noted the orchestra’s celebrated book of arrangements.
A narrow basement staircase leads to a triangular room with a red curtain and a stage at the point, where musicians play for a small audience of 123. Tables open like spokes from the stage, and the walls hold portraits of jazz legends. The acoustics are excellent, and the only sound before the music begins is the hum of the room. No food is served, only drinks at a bar. Shows start at 8:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m., with seating beginning at 7:00 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. respectively. The atmosphere is focused entirely on the music, with silence requested before the concert begins.