An Outstanding Evening of Jazz

Jazz, can penetrate to the depths of your very being based on its composition and performance. One of the greatest performers of jazz #Herbie Hancock, described jazz as, "A form of conversation." Although brief, his explanation is perfect for the naive or inexperienced ear because some #jazz can be overly complicated and lack musical direction. Vana Gierig's Trio, captivated young and older members of an audience with a flawless performance, during an intimate evening of jazz, held at Chester County Historical Society. It was produced by Sugarbaby Events and the Chester County Jazz Festival. Vana, has been described as, "one of New York's premier #jazz pianists and composers. His award-winning, virtuosic performance style and musical direction has been recognized worldwide and his presence has been integral to many international tours and recordings." He has performed with such major artist in the industry as Wynton Marsalis, at #Lincoln Center's Rose Hall, Leana Horne and Regina Carter. Vana Gierig, appears not only to be a "premier jazz pianists and composer" but also a person who cares about the young and underprivileged, which he taught to play instruments during his travels throughout the United States. He endeavors to record a fourth CD, which will feauture Paquito D'Rivera, as a special guest soloist. Vana Gierig has created, "three critically-acclaimed CD's," which includes his popular composition, A New Day. He also produced Mark Lambert's CD, Under My Skin, "and is co-producer, orchestral arranger, and pianist on Ute Lemper's last CD, Between Yesterday and Tomorrow."

Other Members of Vana Gierig's Trio

The evening was heightened by the distinct talent of Matthew Parrish, who played bass with tremendous intensity. His fingers glided up and down this exquisite instrument. Matthew, closed his eyes. His fingers continued to play as beautiful sounds surged from this aesthetically constructed bass. Matthew, plucked the strings ever so gently. It was time for Parrish's spotlight. The bass captured our attention as a crescendo of ravishiing notes, filled the dimly lit room. He has performed with such jazz greates as, "Clark Terry, Harry 'Sweets' Edison, Marion McPartland, Wynton Marsalis, Ravi Coltrane and Regina Carter," as well.

On drums for the evening was the extremely talented, Marcello Pelliteri. He mingled the classy sounds of the cymbals with casual beats on the #drums. The repetition of these sounds together; embraced the rhythmic vibes that lingered within the room. Marcello's abilities as an awesome drummer were assured, as we were impelled to bob our heads and tap out feet to the beat of this talent musician. He has "crisscrossed the globe with Wynton Marsalis, Claudio Roditi, Jack Terrasson, and Joe Henderson."

After each individual of Vana Gierig's Trio was featured, the group continued to play such original tunes as, Accent and A New Day, which has different influences of the Brazillian culture with jazz. This particular song's sound, started out a little laid back but toward the end the music was completely heightened. The Trio maintained their audience's attention with the sounds of their smoothe and inviting jazz which caused us to break out in applause before the conclusion of, A New Day. Vana's fingers continued to dance across the piano, with slight interludes of pure excitement from the audience. My husband Walker screamed, "He's showing off now!" The crowd broke out again in applause as Vana Gierig's Trio, played another outstanding original jazz tune entitled, Healing In Foreign Lands. This award winning song was created, "for all those that do charity work in foreign lands," stated Vana. During his travels throughout the world, he met people you never get to read about, that risk their lives to help others in need.

The tempo was then accelerated with Matthew on bass as Marcello remained silent on drums. Slowly, as though they were enticing audience members to get up and dance, Anita Broady, one of the producers of this jazz supper club, danced in the rear of the room. She could no longer contain herself because the music was just that inviting. When the drums did resonate again, Vana, slowly played the piano along with the subtle sound of his voice which consisted of an African flair. The tempo escalated again with something unique and timely. The Trio played another original tune entitled, Driving While Texting. The intensity of this song started out high and then it was lowered where the bass pulsated with sounds that caused your feet to pat up and down with the beat. Toward the end of the show, Vana explained how, "only four years ago, he crossed paths with the drummer, Marcello Pelliteri again." He went on to express how Matthew Parrish, who played bass was from our area and had been playing with Regina Carter's band. He knew that if the three of them could get together, they would create jazz that would appeal to all races as well as soothe and comfort the soul. Vana, was right! This Trio was awesome, even with my limited knowledge of jazz.

Delicious Food at the Jazz Supper Club

Before the jazz extravaganza began, a variety of appetizers were served in the midst of dim lighting, little trees and #candlelights. Chef Daniel Funk, prepared a buffet for the evening's supper club that consisted of Dry Rubbed Roasted Filet Mignon, Andouville Potatoe Salad, Shrimp, Crab and Crawfish Blush Sauce with Brochette, Eggplant Lasagna with Roasted Peppers and Portabella Mushrooms. The dessert included a Frangelica Chocolate Mousse with White Chocolate Blueberry Bread Pudding.

An Effort for the Continuation of Jazz was a Success

One of the host for the evening was, Richard Blackwell, who presents, "Live broadcast, interviews and performances" coast to coast. He commended Selwyn and Anita Broady, of Sugarbaby Events for their determination to revitalize jazz through the Chester County Jazz Festival. Their next three day festival kicked off on Friday, June 29, at 7:00 p.m., with superstar jazz guitarist #Peter White, Point Blank Band and C.P. Lacey at the Asplundh Concert Hall on the campus of West Chester University. The music kept going Saturday, June 30, and July 1, which featured free, open air live jazz with superstars Warren Hill, Ronnie Laws, Gerald Veasley, Tom Braxton, Gary Davis, plus up-and-coming artists B.D. Lenz, Olivia Rox, Aniya, Hidden Treasure and more. Exhibitors were available with merchandise, great food and family friendly activities, in Hoopes Park of West Chester, Pa. It was a memorable day of jazz and #family fun.