|
David Ostwald’s Louis Armstrong Centennial Band
David Ostwald: Music Director, Tuba
(See October 5, 2004 Review)
Dan Levinson: Clarinet, Saxophone, and Vocals
Dion Tucker: Trombone and Vocals
Marion Felder: Drums
Jon-Erik Kellso: Trumpet
Richard Lieberson: Banjo
At Birdland
315 West 44th Street, NYC
212.581.3080
www.birdlandjazz.com
Gianni Valenti, Owner
Tarik Osman, Manager
Dr. Roberta E. Zlokower
March 8, 2005 David Ostwald’s weekly gig at Birdland is among the best in town for traditional New Orleans style jazz. Tonight was one of the worst weather nights of late winter, with howling wind, ice, sleet, and snow, but the Louis Armstrong Centennial Band was not alone, and Ostwald’s diehard fans were there for music and drinks to warm the heart. In tonight’s first set, Jon-Erik Kellso on trumpet and Richard Lieberson on banjo switched themes, with different rhythms played out on the same three bars, quite a tantalizing effect. Loveless Love and Hear Me Talkin’ To You were featured early on, with the second providing a rousing refrain. David Ostwald on tuba, Kellso on trumpet, Dan Levinson on saxophone, and Dion Tucker on trombone, all traded melodic solos, while Ostwald on tuba, Lieberson on banjo, and Marion Felder (a Juilliard student) on drums, provided a rhythmic and resonant foundation.
South Sea Island Magic featured the versatile Dan Levinson on vocals, with sultry romance and a surprising final note on flowing sax. Get Happy, with Levinson on clarinet, had a full rhythmic and tonal ensemble, as all six musicians were in sync and playing as one. In the second set, Levinson was again featured on rapid, racy clarinet, occasionally mellow, but always magnetic. Felder was a joy to experience, with bouncy riffs and perfect poise. Stars Fell on Alabama, with Tucker on vocals this time, carrying the tune and lyrics with sensitivity and soul, was followed by Limehouse Blues, with Levinson on clarinet and Lieberson in the lead, as a banjo riff inspired Felder to tap the steel drum rims for added accent. Lieberson was not done, and I Can’t Get Started with You found him in full lead with aplomb. Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea, in tribute to Harold Arlen, found Lieberson still featured, this time with switched keys.
David Ostwald’s Louis Armstrong Centennial Band can be seen at Birdland every Tuesday, in the early sets (Pre-Theatre, Dinner and/or drinks), 5:00 – 7:30 PM.
Dan Levinson on Sax
David Ostwald on Tuba and Richard Lieberson on Banjo
Dan Levinson on Clarinet
Jon-Erik Kellso on Trumpet
Dan Levinson Sings
Dion Tucker on Trombone
Marion Felder on Drums
Dion Sings
David Ostwald on Tuba and Richard Lieberson on Banjo
|
