“La Big Band Costa Rica con Eddie Daniels”
Earlier in the week, I learned that “La Big Band Costa Rica con Eddie Daniels” would be appearing at Teatro Nacional “12 y 13 marzo 8:00 pm”.
I had never heard of La Big Band Costa Rica nor Eddie Daniels, but love big band music so decided to go to the concert, if for no other reason to check out Teatro Nacional.
Constructed between 1830 and 1837, this building is one of the few unique and interesting buildings in San Jose. I'll write about that later.
In terms of expectations for the evening, I anticipated that La Big Band Costa Rica would rank somewhere between an average community band at the low end, and Rob McConnell and the Boss Brass, at the top.
As for Eddie Daniels, I expected him to be an ex-pat gringo now living and performing in Costa Rica.
Wrong Expectations
I am happy to admit that I was dead wrong on both expectations.
When the orchestra took the stage there were 19 young Costa Rican men and their middle-aged director in crisp white jackets. One trombone player wore a tailored black jacket.
All the men wore neatly pressed black pants and polished black shoes. The only woman wore her basic black dress.
The last time I saw a big band look that good was when I saw Duke Ellington way back when.
If this group looked good, it played even better.
Talented, Professional Musicians
Within a few bars, it was obvious that there were 22 very talented, professional musicians on-stage.
What I love about well-known, highly regarded performers is how they build on their experience to engage their audiences in fresh new versions of their art.
Being young performers, the La Big Band Costa Rica is driven...and driven hard by their sheer energy. And being Latin, their individual and combined passion is the ideal catalyst for their energy.
Although I have not checked, I don't think Latin Americans have a term for mediocrity. They tend to be very passionate about absolutely everything they do...even if it's a taxi driver having a nap in his car.
Think of a really good all-black gospel choir belting out hymns, swinging 'n' swaying in their fancy robes. That's the closest thing I can think to describe the talent, energy and passion of La Big Band Costa Rica.
Not A Stage Hand...
Enter Eddie Daniels, the visually laid back but equally talented and intense guest clarinet/saxophone soloist.
Wearing jeans and a nondescript blazer, he looked more like a stage hand than a professional performer. But what an amazing performer he is.
Check out his website to learn more about him.
The synergy between Eddie Daniels and this group was absolutely awesome...in the true sense of the word.
You could feel the energy all the way up to the gallery where I was sitting.
When the planned program was over, no one, least of all the performers, wanted the evening to end.
Daniels would cue the drummer, who would start pounding a basic beat, which in turn got the audience clapping rhythmically. The director then gave hand signals to the band to show what he wanted....and the music went on and on.
Eventually Daniels slowed the tempo and lowered the volume until the hall was totally quiet...but only for a few seconds. Then everyone from the back row in the gallery to the back row on stage was on their feet cheering and clapping.
What an amazing experience!
Happy 20th!!
Oh yeah, one more thing.
The trombone player in the black jacket? As far as I can tell, he was the founder and first musical director of La Big Band de Costa Rica and currently a music professor at the University of Costa Rica.
Last night's concert marked the group's 20th Anniversary, so he was invited back as a guest performer.
What a celebration it was...and a great experience to savour. Glad I was there.
No comments:
Post a Comment