Encouraging Signs

Through a rather odd misunderstanding, I found myself at the Lily Wilde show at Duff's Garage last night to watch the first set. I'm a bit embarrassed to admit that I hadn't seen them before and I was extremely surprised and pleased with what I saw and heard.

Having been texted by an old UO buddy, I arrived at the location ready to sit in and read the lead book for the first set. I was told (to my relief as I had spaced on my music stand) that the regular (my teacher Ben Medler) was indeed going to play. There was apparently some confusion on my friends part, who had subbed the last two shows and had assumed a sub would be needed for this one. Thus, a bit of an embarrassing arrival on my part. Confusing indeed, but it was yet another great lesson on how to be a professional.

Better yet, I got in for free, received a free drink ticket and saw a fully loaded, professional big band. I wasn't sure what to expect when I arrived, but upon seeing the swarm of some of Portland's best professional jazz cats the expectation level went skyrocketing. I was not to be disappointed.

Let's step back a moment and take a look at the current goings on in the big band world. Europe features many fine radio big bands. The most famous big band out of New York in my mind would probably be Lincoln Center. Wynton likely has a lot to do with that status, but they are an exceedingly good group regardless. The Village Vanguard Orchestra has been around in one form or another since about 1965. The Mingus Band is around. Out west we have the ever popular Gordon Goodwin Big Phat Band. Bob Mintzer is currently in L.A.

These are the big names. Unless you are in their respective cities, hearing such bands live tends to come with travel expenses, though usually you can see some groups on tour. Dave Holland has been through Oregon with his big band a few times in the last decade. These groups are rare though, much of that stemming from the cost to run such a large ensemble, let alone send them on tour or pay for a recording session.

Portland has a few of its own Big Bands. Art Abrams has lead a band for some time now, and has produced a couple CD's. The band has always sounded great, and is filled with great players. The Portland Jazz Orchestra is also a great group. Carlton Jackson and Dave Mills lead another large ensemble. And of course, the Lily Wilde Orchestra.

Now, it has been some time since the big band era of the 30's and 40's. For the last few years I've been stuck playing and listening to college ensembles. I certainly enjoyed my time in such groups, but nothing beats a true professional ensemble with musicians who understand the genres and styles and who are able to, with very little rehearsal time, play so well together.

Indeed, the woodwind section was easily the finest I've heard in some time. Overall the band played extremely well in tune, and for a group that doesn't rehearse often they ended phrases very well and moved together dynamically. Everything laid well for the talented Lily Wilde, who has a wonderful voice and didn't miss a note the whole night.

I went home that night very happy despite the earlier confusion. It's nights like that that I find myself inspired to learn and practice my craft. I think that's why it's so critical to always be hearing as much live music as one can. To hear it played that well inspires me every time.


-Slide Funk