Have You Ever Heard A Big Band Live?

[Larry Kart]

I have a tape of that Monk band with Lacy, Waldron, Rouse et al. performance at the Chicago Jazz Fest. It begins at a very high level and then gets giggly great, as though the musicians themselves couldn't quite believe how well it was going. In fact, the overall level of execution plus enthusiasm probably exceeds that of either of the Monk/Overton charts concert recordings -- albeit the CJF lacks the presence of the man himself (but Waldron is in inspired form). I'll never forget walking through the crowd behind the seats as the band was playing and watching some little kids respond to the rhythms. When the band played the opening lick of "Bye-Ya," one kid literally jumped for joy.