Concert Review by: Sheldon T. Nunn
Venue: H Town Arena Theater (Houston, Texas)
April 19, 2008 - In the latter half of 2007, one of Houston’s most revered venues re-opened
its doors once again. Considered by many to be the city’s best entertainment
location for live performances, the H Town Arena Theater closed its doors
approximately 4 years ago after 30-plus years of presenting quality attractions.
When walking the hallway of the Arena, there are numerous pictures of luminaries
on the walls that have graced the stage of the Arena. The list reads like a
“Who’s Who of Entertainment.” Among the many stars that have performed at
the venue include The Manhattan Transfer, Al Jarreau, George
Benson, The O’Jays, Diana Ross, Steve Martin, David
Sanborn, Kenny Rogers, Bill Cosby, Gallagher and a host
of other stars of comedy and music.
What makes the Arena Theater such a perfect venue for live entertainment is
the dome-shaped circular architecture of the building and a revolving stage that
allows for excellent viewing no matter where patrons are seated. One of the more
prolific aspects of the building has been the presentation of live jazz music in
an intimate setting. That has allowed aficionados and connoisseurs to experience
their favorite artists up close and personally. On the night of April 19th that
was the case when Pieces of a Dream, Najee and Roy Ayers
brought jazz back to the H Town Arena Theater.
As mentioned previously, the Arena Theater is a great venue for live
entertainment; as such, when Pieces of a Dream hit the stage after the opening
act’s performance, jazz in a wonderful array of flavors highlighted the night
for those in attendance. Anchored by drummer Curtis Harmon and keyboardist James
Lloyd, Pieces of a Dream is one of jazz’s most notable groups. Since their debut
in 1976, the group has wowed audiences throughout the world with their
funk-laden soulful approach to jazz. Considered by many to be one of jazz’s most
significant artists, their appearance in Houston helped to re-establish a lost
musical bond that was once part of a rich and vibrant heritage.
In an environment dominated by smooth jazz radio and generic sounding
artists, Pieces of a Dream has managed to maintain a presence in spite of
current trends. Their musical adaptations and presentations on the night of
April 19th called up a legacy of entertainment that the audience could relate
to. The funk and circumstance of their music pushed the patrons of the Arena to
ecstasies beyond unimaginable expectations, while opening the door to an
enthusiastic response from the near capacity crowd of 2000. For the first time
in many years of deprivation, the entertainment value of jazz was showcased. The
melding of three distinctively different styles of musical entertainment that
was underscored by an often under appreciated genre was a major hit in Houston.
Pieces of a Dream proved that they provide a much-needed presence in jazz while
paving the way for Najee, the second noteworthy presence of the Arena’s Spring
Jazz Series.
As a former member of Chaka Khan’s band, saxophonist Jerome Najee
Rasheed first arrived on the scene as a solo jazz musician with the release
of ‘Najee’s Theme’ in 1988. Since then, he has released 12 albums and
either performed or recorded with numerous R&B and jazz artists. Riding high
on his latest CD entitled ‘Rising Sun’, Najee also provided much needed
relief from the jazz drought that has engulfed Houston in recent years. Seldom
seen or heard over the airwaves of radio in the Space City, Najee has managed to
maintain a level of popularity in spite of subversive benign neglect. On a
national and international level he has received numerous accolades and awards
as one of jazz’s most dynamic artists. The scheduling of his performance was
also received with much anticipation.
Dressed in an attire of a white suit, shirt and shoes, Najee performed many
of his classic songs as well as selections from ‘Rising Sun’. Although
his music had a noticeably different texture than that of Pieces of a Dream,
Najee provided his own unique spin on jazz of a different flavor. One of his
highlights was an appearance by keyboardist James Lloyd who coincidently appears
on ‘Rising Sun.’ Together Lloyd and Najee spun a funk attack that forced
the audience to rise in heralded adulation. As Lloyd left the stage, Najee
continued to hammer on the notion that jazz is truly America’s music. In fact,
he proved to those already in the know and the ones not so knowledgeable that he
has a definite presence that is enlightening and entertaining. As a saxophonist,
Najee’s music was fundamentally melodic and soulfully enticing. But even with
Pieces of a Dream and Najee as jazz guides and ramrods the evening remained
incomplete as the way was made for vibraphonist extraordinaire—the venerable Roy
Ayers.
Anyone within earshot of “Everybody Loves The Sunshine” and
“Searchin’” will recognize the talented skills of Mr. Roy Ayers. Having
graced the music scene for more than 40 years, Ayers has moved us with a groove
theory that was first originated by the legendary Lionel Hampton. No
other artist in jazz history epitomized the vibraphone as a jazz instrument as
did Hampton. In fact, that has been Roy’s primary source of inspiration from the
very onset of his career. During his performance, homage was paid to Hampton and
all of the individuals who have served as ambassadors to the world, while taking
the message according to jazz to the far-flung reaches of the globe. In an
oratory of reverence, Roy also spoke of the importance of jazz as a form of
entertainment and its relevance as an art form.
Although Roy Ayers has performed in Houston numerous times, he continues to
be one of the city’s favorite artists. With an unprecedented display of jazz and
R&B grooves, Ayers’ stage presence was enthralling. As a funk-meister,
he was at the top of his game with a variety of tunes that mesmerized the
audience with vibraphonic influences. As a form of entertainment, Roy Ayers
proved why he is the consummate performer and at 67 years young his energy level
was beyond belief as well. As a showman, Ayers’ performances may be viewed as
old school due to the all- encompassing nature of his act. What was seen and
heard was a multifaceted array of vocals, solos and musical interactions that
have been honed as systemic elements of high value targets of entertainment.
With the crowd as judges, his performance added credence to the idea of jazz
being a definite staple for music lovers.
Historically speaking the H Town Arena is the last of a long line of hallowed
Houston venues. Gone are the Music Hall, Ebony Ballroom, Club Supreme,
Rockefellers, La Bastille, Cody’s, Tower Theater, Club La Veek and Liberty Hall,
all of which served as an oasis in the dark of night for jazz and other forms of
live entertainment. Without a doubt, the return of the H Town Arena Theater was
greeted with a welcomed sense of jubilation, especially so with the inclusion of
Pieces of a Dream, Najee and Roy Ayers. Collectively, these three acts laid the
foundation for a much anticipated future, whereby jazz aficionados and
connoisseurs are expected to have an intimate environment where jazz can be
enjoyed in an up close and personal environment. If April 19th was any
indication of what can be expected in the future, jazz will once again have a
viable presence as a form of entertainment in
Houston.
Photo by: © Concord Music
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