Jazz Repoty

Name: Jeremy Chosnek

Section: 0538

Concert You Attended: Marty Liquori and Friends

Date of Concert: Tuesday, June 7, 2016

Venue: Ballyhoo Bar and Grill

Prior to taking this course, History of Jazz, I was not a jazz enthusiast and had probably only listened to a handful of Jazz songs in my entire life.  However, after taking this course my perspective of Jazz music took a complete turn for the better.  I guess it might have been learning all the vast history and listening to a bunch of songs for class, but as it may, listening to the album, Headhunters, by Herbie Hancock, really changed my perspective on this genre of music. The album just seemed to speak to me, and it was such great music that I just sat back on my couch for an hour and completely embraced it.  As for my concert report, I went to the Ballyhoo Bar and Grill on Newberry and talked and listened to Marty Liquori and Vic Donnell, who together put on a wonderful performance.  Marty was on the guitar and Vic was on the keyboards.  To see two guys performing that absolutely loved what they do is really something special.  

Before attending the concert, I tried to do some background research on Marty so I would have something to talk about with him when I went up to ask about his music.  I was quite stunned when I googled him on the internet and a track star sensation popped on my screen.  I thought to myself, there is no way this is him.  He was an All-American distance runner and even qualified for the United States Olympic team back in the day.  I couldn’t believe it, what an interesting man.  To go from running track in the Olympics to becoming a professional guitarist in Gainesville, Fl.  As for his music, it is something he is so passionate about.  He plays in Gainesville at least twice a week year round.  It is as much as a hobby to him as sports are to me.  Music was never my forte growing up, but now I have a great understanding for Jazz and a great appreciation for it as well.  

Now on to their music for the night.  A few of my favorite songs they played were, Bumpin’ on Sunset by Wes Montgomery, All the Things You Are by Joe Pass, and Autumn Leaves by Tal Farlow.  I personally really love the sound of Wes Montgomery.  Whether it’s the keyboard or the guitar, his music is just very soothing to the soul.  As I was sitting down eating dinner, Bumpin’ on Sunest was the perfect song to sit back and drink some wine to and just relax.  The terrific use of octaves combined with the warm melody make Wes Montgomery’s soothing to the soul.  Marty and Vic did a wonderful job of portraying this song as if Wes was playing it himself.  I genuinely wish they would have played his music all night because after taking this class and listening to the wide variety of Jazz music, Wes Montgomery’s music is definitely one of my favorites.  Montgomery is definitely one of the greatest Jazz guitarists of all time.