DIVA last night at Binghamton University

[CJ Shearn]

wow, what an excellent show, the band was cookin'. There were some excellent tributes to Duke last night like a hip arrangement of "In a Mellotone" provided by Dennis Mackerel, featuring some dialogue between plunger muted trombone and trumpet, I forgot the names of the women who were playing them, but the trombonist was very impressive. A name you all should look for is Schiela Gonzalez, a tenor player, she's very Brecker-ish at times, but IMO her solos stole the show on quite a few songs, even engaging in a tenor battle with Anat Cohen, who I believe is Avishai Cohen's sister, on the first tune of the night. Anat is a name to look for as well. The show closed with "Caravan", with an explosive lengthy solo from the drummer/leader Sherri Maricle, her solo went from Blakey-ish tom work to some slightly out playing, even playing using her hands. It was a great show, definitely worth seeing if they come through your town. Shoulda bought their livce album last night though.