Wynton Marsalis has received a plethora of awards from numerous countries, committees and academies for his talents and contributions to the world as a musician, arranger, composer, and cultural ambassador. In 2009, he received the Insignia Chevalier of the Legion of Honor from France; it’s the equivalent of attaining knighthood in the UK. French Ambassador Pierre Vimont introduced Marsalis at the ceremony and stated, “I strongly believe that, for you, jazz is more than just a musical form. It is tradition, it is part of American history and culture and life. To you, jazz is the sound of democracy. And from this democratic nature of jazz derives openness, generosity, and universality.”
Wow. But then there’s the execution of jazz, which you must see in person. Here are two chances for Southern Californians: Marsalis will be appearing at Segerstrom Center for the Arts in Costa Mesa on January 21, 2022 — and then The Soraya in Northridge on February 5, 2022. Find out first hand how Music Director Marsalis keeps Jazz tradition alive by celebrating with dutiful respect to its icons, presenting his work in a classy and formal manner, performing with those who are well-versed, actively engaged, and technically proficient in the genre: 15 of the finest jazz soloists and ensemble players today.
With verve and panache, JLCO (established by Mr. Marsalis in 1988) is a tight, well-oiled machine which performs every song with tenacity and technical proficiency — and always dressed formally in suit and tie. JLCO performs a vast repertoire, from rare historic compositions to commissioned works. The group’s compositions and arrangements include works by Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Fletcher Henderson, Thelonious Monk, Mary Lou Williams, Dizzy Gillespie, Benny Goodman, and Charles Mingus, as well as new music from the group’s unrivalled collection of world-renowned composers and arrangers.
photos by Frank Stewart and Joe Martinez
Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis
Friday, January 21 at 8:00 pmRenée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall,
600 Town Center Drive in Costa Mesafor tickets, call (714) 556-2787 or visit SCFTA
Saturday, February 5 at 8:00pm
The Soraya, 18111 Nordhoff Street in Northridge
for tickets, call 818.677.3000 or visit Soraya
