*Written last night*

It’s late and I’m just getting home from hearing, watching, feeling, and discovering Emmy Award winner Terrence Blanchard’s performace tonight. I wanted to get these thoughts out before my dreams swept them away. How do I feel after being up-close-and-personal at tonight’s show? Hold on, because I think I still might be vibrating. Can you hear my heart racing? Can you feel the sweaty residual on my skin? Yes, as a matter of fact, that mascara is tear-stained around my eyes, much like wet kisses from a lover consumed with overwhelming passion. Experiencing really great, improvisational jazz, like tonight’s performance, that’s rich and raw with pure emotion feels like warm liquid melting over you.

Choices is the name of Mr. Blanchard’s latest CD. He records and travels with a group of musicians that I remembered hearing a couple of years ago when A Tale of God’s Will was released. Actually, I cornered all of them at Nighttown after gushing over their performance and had each of them sign my menu, CD jacket, and various body parts. This year, I wore a choker chain and held back, so I wouldn’t gush quite as much and embarass myself.

Each musican lends their unique and eclectic talent to the gloriously written and performed pieces. The music envelopes you, like a warm blanket; filling each sense to the point that you must close your eyes and let your soul transport you to a magically emotional place deep within.  And just when you’re oozing with that warm pleasure, the tempo changes and you’re spirit is lifted up; awe-struck by the powerful surge of passion and heat these talented cats generate.

This is without question some of the best jazz I’ve ever heard.

Mr. Blanchard said last night, “We’re up here baring our souls, we’re naked in front of you; we’re playing jazz.”

Yes, Mr. Blanchard, you’re playing jazz the way both God and the Devil intended jazz to be played.

Please don’t miss this mind-blowing performance when they tour through your city.

Still Vibrating
Neve Black