Week 8 The Rudy Ray Septet
The 8th show on the TD stage was an incredible retrospective that took us back in time with a traditional Jazz Septet. The lineup consisted of exceptionally talented musicians including Rudy Ray and Mylz Powell on Trumpet, Dwight Jones on Sax, Dan Walsh on Trombone, Jared Higgins on Guitar, Scott Peterson on Bass, and Josh Lane on Drums.
Throughout the evening, we performed two sets of classic jazz compositions, paying homage to the likes of Thelonius Monk, Sonny Rollins, Milt Jackson, Wayne Shorter, Sam Rivers, John Coltrane, and The Meters. The audience was treated to a captivating musical journey filled with the timeless melodies and improvisations that have defined the genre.
Adding a touch of humor to the show, our dear friend and stand-up comedian Tahsin Chowdhury joined us on stage and had the crowd in stitches. His closing act left everyone with a heartwarming smile, perfectly complementing the soulful sounds of the Jazz Septet.
Capturing the essence of the performance, Celine Marquez and Ana Sofia beautifully documented the show through their photography and videography skills. Additionally, they took the initiative to gather written feedback from the audience members, providing us with valuable insights and encouragement from our listeners.
One remarkable aspect of the evening was the feeling of being transported back to the 1940s on a movie set for a period piece. The ambience was reminiscent of that era, where the band members exuded a sense of timeless style and sophistication. However, this feeling took on an even deeper significance when I recalled the meaningful connection I shared with Dwight Jones.
Four years ago, I met Dwight on the set of my first Netflix series, "Self Made: The Story of Madam CJ Walker." Playing a clarinet in the second episode, Dwight's participation added an authentic touch to the scene where the band is invited into Madam Walker's house. The experience of working together with Dwight in such a significant project and his portrayal of the music in that period has remained a source of great inspiration for me.
Overall, the 8th show on the TD stage was an extraordinary night filled with rich melodies, captivating performances, and shared laughter. It was a testament to the power of music and its ability to transport us to different eras while connecting us through shared experiences and memories.
