During this time of people debating over what marriage actually is, it was refreshing to see a renewal of wedding vows between jazz and rock at the Saban that included the traditional old, new, borrowed and blue.
Vocalist Jon Anderson, coming from the “progressive rock” side of the equation, has teamed up with “jazz fusion” violin pioneer Jean-Luc Ponty along with a flexible band of Keith Jones/b, Jamie Glaser/g, Rayford Griffin/dr and Wally Minko/key for an exciting album which was presented before the packed Saban Theatre.
Both looking fit and trim as well as with a fresh and whimsy, like musicians fresh from Middle Earth, the two leaders presented new material such as “A for Aria” with a wistful and dreamy beauty. Ponty’s violin glowed with warmth during this autumnal tune, while Anderson displayed his incredibly well preserved voice and matured range on the uptempo and upbeat drive on “I See You Messenger.” What other singer could get away with singing lyrics like “Did we really count to one hundred?” and “Sun and moon keeps us together” and make it sound believable?
Just as impressive was the attitude they both carried towards their older material. Ponty’s time in the spotlight included a heel clicking “Jig” as well as a grandiosly charging take of his popular jazz hit (can those three words actually be in the same sentence?) “Enigmatic Ocean” that had his strings flying in unison with Glaser’s guitar. Anderson as well used his pieces from the legendary group Yes not as songs of strict adherence (as the original band does on tour) but as launching pads to look forward. “Long Distance Runaround” had an irresistible Indian lilt as the groove, while Jones’ bluesy bass supplied the funky foundation for the anthem “Roundabout.”
Even better than the music itself was the attitude of the leaders who presented the concert. Both in lyrics and spoken form expressed optimism about the future and dreams of hope, as on “New New World” and during Ponty’s speaking about the tragedy in Paris. In a world looking for a brighter tomorrow, these two sages delivered musical messages of hope in a style as if they invented it. Hey, they did!!
Upcoming shows at the Canyon Club/Saban include Robert Cray 12/05, David Lindley 01/14, Tower of Power 01/15 and Ottmar Liebert 02/12