On a Friday, the time finally came to see some live, super exciting jazz at the Cellar. From the outside, the place isn't much to look at, largely because you have to go down some steps into a...cellar...so you can't really see it from the outside. But once you get in, it's ever so magical. The atmosphere is intimate and cozy without feeling claustrophobic, and the black and red decor, with beautiful photos of famous musicians on the walls and flickering candles scattered around the dimly lit room, is gorgeous. I felt relaxed as soon as I walked in. Most people opt to have some dinner before the first set, and I was pleasantly surprised by the deliciousness, healthiness, and elegant presentation of the food. The martini I tried was quite excellent also, strong but tasty and smooth.
And now, getting to the actual show. That night, Frank Catalano from the musical city of Chicago was playing the saxophone. The rest of the musicians were Miles Black on piano, Julian McDonough on drums, and Jodi Proznick on bass. Frank blew everyone away from the very beginning, being the young prodigy that he is. His fingers seem to move faster than I can register the notes in my head, it's unbelievable. On top of that, he seems to pour himself into the music, so that what you get isn't the repetition of a song but him channeling the foundations of his soul into the music, making each moment feel completely, spontaneously alive. Of course, when there's three other people contributing to the magic it's even more spectacular. There were many special musical moments between Frank and Julian when they would play back and forth, pushing each other to crackle and improvise with increasing creativity and excitement. I couldn't keep my eyes or ears off of them. Many people think that most jazz is kind of slow and lazy, but the energy that night was almost tangible. I also have to mention that Miles Black and Jodi played brilliant solos, while Julian sometimes threatened to steal the show with his enthusiastic drumming...he looked as though he might explode at some particularly inspiring moments.
One of the things I like most about jazz is how it's so free formed and spontaneous, while at the same time relying on the synchronicity of the musicians. They come together, go different ways, do solos, come back together beautifully and the whole journey is smooth, beautiful, and almost cathartic. At this performance, it felt like they weren't playing rehearsed songs but giving birth to music. Maybe that's why they all kept their eyes closed most of the time.
On a final note, I have to mention that Frank is one of the cutest people ever. He's so friendly, laid back, and positive...someone who's doing what they love and living in that feeling completely. I also love his Chicago accent. He's not even thirty and he's already accomplished so much, I can't wait to see him perform again. Considering that he composes music in addition to being a saxman, it will be exciting to hear what will come out of his instrument next. Whatever it is, he's sure to play it with the kind of skill and passion that will make you explode.
. m u s i c .: Frank Catalano - Burner's Blues
. 2 c o m m e n t s . | . l e a v e a c o m m e n t .
