Review: Jazz on Tap at the Hollywood Bowl
I attended Jazz on Tap at the Hollywood Bowl on September 11, 2024. HB Orchestra conductor, Thomas Wilkins greeted the audience with a few comments about 9/11. He encouraged us to think back on how we all united as Americans in the wake of the tragic 911 events. He thanked the first responders then led the orchestra in the Star Spangled Banner. The audience stood and sang along of course. After two songs, Wilkins brought out Christian McBride and Ben Vereen to explain what the evening was all about. The artists had gathered to celebrate and share the synergy of jazz music, voice and tap dance. From NYC’s Broadway stages to Hollywood’s classic productions, jazz music, singing, scatting and tap dancing entertained the world.
Jazz & Tap at the Hollywood Bowl
Jazz singer Freda Payne was the first performer of the night’s main event. Her gorgeous full voice and sensual delivery quickly set the mood. As she cut lose her first scat, the crowd approval was evident in the many smiles around me. She then bounced back and forth between scatting and singing. I appreciated her full range and enjoyed her sultry growl. After one song Vereen returned with his cane, joked around a bit and introduced the next artist. Known in part for her hit song “I Don’t Want to Wait,” which became the theme song for television’s Dawson’s Creek, Paula Cole was next. She had immaculate control over every nuance of her voice. I particularly enjoyed her smooth lower register.
Next up was Judith Hill. Wearing a shiny metallic green and yellow dress, Hill delivered a very different style of jazz. Hers was a more bluesy soulful form. McBride compared her performance to down home cookin’. After Hill’s song, Ben Vereen returned, and the audience broke into thunderous applause. Before performing, he looked out and marveled at the moon. He encouraged the audience to enjoy the little things in life like this beautiful night. “America, you are going to be alright” said Vereen. His passion for making a real difference through art was clear. After performing “This is the Moment” everyone left the stage for a brief intermission.
Just before the band returned, an amazing clip of “Stormy Weather” appeared on the screens. The movie showed a groundbreaking tap dance performance which seemed to defy the laws of physics. The clip of Cab Calloway and Bill “Bojangles” Robinson was so impressive, that the audience clapped and cheered as if it was live on stage.
The jazz band returned, and McBride introduced each member. With Christian Sands on piano, Rodney Jones on guitar, Clayton Cameron on drums, Terence Blanchard on trumpet plus Christian McBride’s on bass, this was an all-star band. Now it was time to witness the cutting edge of jazz on tap. Savion Glover was here to tap like many of us had never seen before. He was beyond extraordinary. As he jammed with the band, his unimaginable speed, creativity and rhythmic precision were on full display. His impeccable communication with the drummer and the whole band had me on the edge of my seat.
To say the musicians were “tapped in” would be a big understatement. Glover introduced many of us to an improvisation instrument we had never seen before. Sure, most of us had seen tap before but not like this. Glover is not just a master of modern improvisational jazz tap, his stamina at full speed is jaw dropping. As the music progressed, Glover’s improvisation with the pianist entered a different phase. His tap was rhythmically precise but equally ambient in its impact. He created a rhythmic soundscape of sorts for the pianist and other musicians to play in.
Glover quickly disappeared off stage, and one by one each singer returned. This time however the singers were each paired with a tap dancer. Together, the band, singers and dancers showed us an array of tapping styles and flavors. Of note was Paula Cole singing with Sarah Reich dancing. Their haunting and theatrical performance of Chet Baker’s “You Don’t Know What Love Is“ included a beautiful trumpet solo by Terence Blanchard. Then they played a second song which showcased Sarah spinning rapidly while tapping. Her strong rhythmic abilities came forth while trading off with drummer, Clayton Cameron. Now Judith Hill returned with dancer Michela Marino Lerman. This time the band played “Stormy Weather,” Hill’s bluesy soulful voice cut through.
Other highlights of the night included Judith Hill’s rendition of “Love for Sale” and Ben Vereen’s emotional version of “What a Wonderful World.” This song fit his voice incredibly well. His patient delivery of the classic lyrics painted scenes for our imaginations to run with. Somehow I found myself holding back tears. As the night came to a close, Vereen reminded us to honor our elders. He gave a special shout out to Sammy Davis Jr. and Bill “Bojangles” Robinson. The show concluded with every artists on stage and a final opportunity to witness the incredible Savion Glover.
By the end of the night, we were all fully tapped into the spirit of Jazz on Tap. See the Hollywood Bowl’s website for additional info on upcoming shows – https://www.hollywoodbowl.com
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