After midnight in NYC...

I have been on a tear recently checking out live jazz cds. Bear with me while I wax on about the need for the live jazz cd.

Jazz is, and always has been, about expression and improvisation. There is no greater challenge and validation of one's skills than in a live performance. That's just real. And the best of those are the ones that create a mood, and run with it.

I posted the cover to Charlie Haden and Kenny Barron's "Night and the City" because of two reasons. One, it was recorded in NYC at one of the premier jazz clubs, Iridium, and it perfectly evokes a mood. It's in the title itself: "Night And The City".

Ever been to NYC at night? It's a strange and wonderous place. There is one thing though that New York is known for but seldom acknowledged. It is one of the most romantic cities on the planet. You can walk down the street and feel the romantic vibe. I mean, it has some of the greatest restaurants, entertainment and eye candy you will ever witness and experience. That night, at Iridium, Charlie Haden and Kenny Barron bought that romantic vibe to the forefront. What's even better is that it is perfectly captured on this disc.

Mulgrew Miller, Kenny Barron, Coleman Hawkins, Miles Davis, and many more have made classic live jazz albums for us to be enraptured to. You can picture yourself in the club or hall that night. You can hear the nuances of the tones, the mistakes and that one run that you know you will never hear again. For sheer perfection of enveloping a mood, there might be no greater CD than "Night And The City".

It's a late night CD. To be listened to with the lights low and no talking or any noise of any kind. It can be a romantic time or a time spent in reflection or even just listening to some beautiful music. This is not dinner music, even though some might make that mistake because of it's hushed tones and understatement. It's not the type of CD that will overpower a conversation but a conversation does not compliment it, either.

The music wraps itself around you like a soft, warm blanket and slowly takes you to a calming place. Where there are no need for words. It's the precursor of things to come. It sets the tone for the evening or winds it down. It is not meant for action, but reflection and appreciation.

Miles' "Live At The Plugged Nickel" set is totally different. It makes you listen to the master while he churns, burns and lets you partake of his mastery of his craft. His ballads are delicate while he bebops with fever. It is a breathtaking live accomplishment. "Night And The City" is a decidedly different beast. It's mastery lies in it's understatement and quiet moments. Jazz uses quiet as a note. Here it is used as an instrument.

It is one of the most beautiful CDs ever made. You should check it out. And while you're at it, check out some others too. Live jazz is wonderous thing. Enjoy it.