An intimate performance and celebration in memory of Don Leppard featured top swing charts and the 17-piece Don Leppard Big Band at Hermann’s Jazz Club on Sunday, November 27th. The venue was intimate with a slight funky vintage vibe, featuring candlelit tables and exposed brick walls. The small stage was lit in swanky blue and purple hues, crowded by the big band. The performers wore all black, allowing their metallic instruments and fantastical sounds to shine. In a front row seat, merely feet away from the saxophone section, I prepared myself to be blasted out of my chair by the glorious sounds of a live big band.
The band featured two alto saxophones, two tenor saxophones, one baritone saxophone, four trumpets, four trombones, a baby grand piano, a jazz guitar, a stand-up bass, and a drum kit. For a few charts, it featured a vocalist as well. Their sound was big, filling the space as a big band ought to do. Despite the band’s size versus the small size of the venue, they were able to maintain fluidity in their dynamics, fluctuating from soft and intimate to loud and raging, where appropriate. The band played in a variety of tempos and dynamics, over pieces ranging from mellow ballads to fast jives. There was contrast from piece to piece, allowing the audience to remain engaged throughout the concert and not be bored in monotonous style, tone, or tempo. The different sections of instruments were able to complement each other; it was not that one section constantly dominated over another. Each instrument’s timbre could be selectively heard over another, all while blending and contributing to the depth of the band’s sound. In most shout choruses, the band was tight; on beat and in tune with each other. Each musician’s flair and ornamentation, such as the use of vibrato, turns, bends, and more, added layers and rich textures to the songs.
Throughout the concert, my attention was never in one place for too long. That is what I love about larger ensembles; one’s attention can bounce around and focus on a different section or musician. The diversity of each musician’s expression adds so much depth to the layers of an arrangement. It adds to the visual, as well. Taking note of the concentration and soul in each player’s face elevates the musical experience, and is part of what makes live music so special. I found the first alto saxophonist, Doug Awai, to be particularly fun to watch. The looks of control and emotion on his face amplified his connection with the music and added a theatrical element to his playing. One of my biggest moments of shock in the evening was when singer Edie Daponte came out, dressed head to toe in red glitter. This was my first time seeing a live jazz band with a vocalist, and Daponte was a treat.
With vivacious presence, she grooved and danced as she sang in a sweet timbre, dazzling the crowd with her sequined dress and bright personality. My favourite piece of the night was Just In Time, arranged by the band’s bassist, Joey Smith. The song was an array of theatrics. Set up with a syncopated rhythm played across all sections, it then deviated into separate layers of harmony and rhythm, then mellowed down to clear a path for Daponte’s voice. I loved how the band played accents in spaces between lyrics, adding emphasis and creating the perfect canvas for dancing. Many people in the crowd were swaying and grooving to the piece, as was Daponte. The piano arrangement really elevated the piece. In the beginning verses, the saxophone and trumpet sections do not play except on accents, creating an open space for Tom Vickery’s licks on piano. They added texture to the section and a level of sophistication to the arrangement. My absolute favourite moment came in the end of the piece. Daponte held a single note as the band changed chords around her voice, creating tension and building anticipation for a big finish. Rich Lang finished things off with a 30 second drum solo displaying huge variety in sound, rhythm, and expression across the drum kit.
As a person that loves to play in jazz ensembles, I really appreciated the efforts that this band goes to. Skill was evident in solos, in arrangements by band members, and in their cohesive sound. It was clear that each musician felt connection to the music that they were playing, as well as all to each other. Throughout the night, many stories, jokes, and emotions were shared in memory of Don Leppard, and it was a very heartfelt celebration of Don’s love of music. These connections and emotions shone through their sound to produce a greatly enjoyable show.
