Daily Jazz Journal: Tuesday Evening

When I was first asked to write for Jazzfest, we had discussed that the write up should consist of only a few paragraphs. After what I saw tonight, I knew that was going to be an impossible task. For those who were lucky enough to join us at the Kellylee Evans and Hilario Durán show, I’m sure you are with me when all I can say is “wow.” For those who couldn’t make it out, I’ll do my best at capturing the essence here in words of what was missed.

First of all, I have never been to a show at the Esplanade. And on this first day of summer, I was all smiles walking through those front doors. The festival pass is an opportunity I couldn’t pass up — the chance to see so many great performances is just too good to be true. With a father who once jammed with the Moody Blues, I grew up with everything from classical to bluegrass to blues and yes, of course, jazz. Music in all its forms was a major part of our family. Music. It is everywhere. And without it, where are we?

(Enough blabbering Morgan—back to the show!)

Aaanyways… As I walked through the doors to greet Lyle Rebbeck, it was the most beautiful evening in downtown Medicine Hat. There could be no better night for what I was about to experience. I’ll admit I was a little giddy when we first sat down. I mean, c’mon, who doesn’t love a good show?

It kicked off right away with Kellylee Evans and her band — Matthew Lima on bass, Giampaolo Scatozza on drums, and Dave Thompson on guitar. I wasn’t expecting to get into it right away; I had thought there may be some sort of introduction or whatnot, but I’m glad there wasn’t.

The band started… Slow, quiet, smokey tones filled the room. And then, there it was. The voice came from backstage for the first few seconds of the song, and it was perfect. I wasn’t expecting to get goose bumps so soon, but the tone of her voice gave me instant chills. Tantalizing. I continued to be swept away by how pure and clear and mesmerizing her voice is. She is what I would call a full body singer in the fact that she doesn’t just sing, she feels every beat and every rest with every part of her body. And you feel what she is feeling. It was written all over her face, and if you had a mirror you would probably see it on yours as well.

I could go on with how fascinated I was with what a performer Kellylee is. And her scat?! Incredible. The ad libbing may have been the icing on the cake for me, the sign of a true artist. You have to see it for yourself—the way she interacts with her band and mimics the instruments—yes, even the drums—was genius. Pure. Genius. She is a beautiful, pure, happy, barefoot, larger-than-life being, and just watching her brought a smile to my face.

Just when I thought the show couldn’t get better, it did. The second set had begun, and Hilario Durán’s Latin Jazz Band took the stage. I was more than excited for this performance and had my dancing shoes ready. They were everything I expected and more. My life in South America came rushing right back. Hilario was a true maestro of his craft and his band, complete with trumpets, trombones, all types of saxophones (soprano, alto, tenor and baritone), stand up bass, piano and some incredible percussion sections.

The show was full of many different sounds, and there was always something happening. The moment I thought I knew what was coming next, I was surprised by a new sound. My pen couldn’t reach the paper fast enough to jot down everything I wanted to say, and my eyes sure couldn’t keep up to where all the excitement was coming from for each particular verse.

One of the things I loved the most was that every member of the band had the spotlight at one moment or another. And every member was a master of his or her instrument. His special guest Jane Bunnett was not only an amazing soprano saxophone player, but an impeccable flautist as well. The brass section was incredibly sharp and quick. The saxophone section never missed a beat. The percussion section blew me away. But my all-time favourite part? Hilario on the piano. Watching him play had me mesmerized, and reminded me of my dad’s playing when I was younger. His fingers moved so fast that the notes that followed could barely catch up. As I said, a true maestro.

All in all, last night’s performance was—in a word—inspiring. It left me with a renewed sense of excitement. If they’re ever in town again, I’ll definitely be there. You’ll see me. I’ll be the one dancing in the aisle. –MVC