VANGUARD JAZZ ORCHESTRA - OCT, NOV
Village Vanguard178 7th Avenue South, New York 10014
The Vanguard Jazz Orchestra brings its long-running Monday-night engagement back to the Village Vanguard. The orchestra works in big-band format, with a saxophone section, four trumpets, four trombones and rhythm section, while leaving space for a “small group within the big band” feeling as soloists stretch out. Expect music rooted in the band’s own book and its continuing commission of new work, rather than a one-off themed program or guest-led set.
The ensemble grew from the Thad Jones/Mel Lewis Orchestra, formed in New York City in 1966, and has carried that legacy through more than 2,700 Monday nights at the Vanguard, an engagement it calls “the longest-running steady engagement in the history of jazz.” Its repertoire honors Jones and Lewis while pushing “the boundaries of the big band idiom.” Bob Brookmeyer’s writing gave the orchestra “an entirely new sonic direction”; Jim McNeely has served as composer-in-residence since 1995, and Bob Mintzer is among the composers who have added music. The New York Times heard a 16-piece orchestra playing from its “celebrated book,” while JazzTimes called the ensemble “splendid.”
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.