Mike Longo and his New York State of Mind band played a concert at the Dizzy Gillespie Auditorium last night. Diz would have been 89 years old this month.
Jimmy Owens and Annie Ross were the featured guests. The trumpet section played brilliantly. Kenny Lavender, Waldron Ricks, Freddie Hendricks, Nabaté Isles and Jack Walrath were HOT! The last tune of the evening was "A Night In Tunisia......the whole section played that lick, you know the one.....B,G,Eb,Gb in unison. It was in tune and strong, just like Diz used to play it.
Jimmy Owens was a highlight. He played his butt off on Con Alma. They did it in 5/4 time.
Annie Ross was Annie Ross
She sang a poignant ballad about all the Giants of the Music who were gone, but who lives on today in the hearts of lovers of Jazz.
It was a dazzling evening.
Wilmer