Amazing, talented players! All individually brilliant. However, There are no refreshments or even water, not allowed to take your own. Unfortunately we left halfway through as there was a photographer with the most distracting and nauseous flash consistently. Considering flash photography is not allowed at this event, this was VERY annoying. A lot of people got frustrated and when we informed a staff member, they shrugged their shoulders… it ruined the event!
We had a wonderful time at the concert. The acoustics in the Mt St Morris Church we’re phenomenal! The pews were a little hard for our old bones. However, we made do.
Exceptional Musicians, The TL4! They kept my feet tapping, head bopping and hands clapping. Tony Lewis on drums and not sitting was the best part. Even Yayoi Ikawa couldn't stay in her seat at the piano bench running the keys like a river bank! Gary Foote on Bass guitar made it sound like an upright Bass, so smooth. Sly Scott had the sax singing Hallelujah!
Very accomplished musicians however the acoustics of the church do not help at all. Had they been up on the ‘stage’ it might have helped. It sounded like a cacophony of sound and it’s no wonder so many left halfway through. Very disappointing.
We booked the Friday night jazz through our New York City Pass. The church is really lovely and clearly well-loved and cherished. The jazz was superb. The musicians were all superb and the dynamic and rapport between them of course contributed to their performances and our enjoyment. We were so glad we had chosen to include this in our programme during our week in New York. A great enticement to visit Harlem. We couldn’t recommend this too highly.