The final show of the 2005-2006 Carolina Performing Arts Series was Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis & Guests. A big title for a big production. The stage was filled with over a dozen horns and about as many African percussionists centered by a piano and directed by Wynton Marsalis.
Marsalis was a great host, giving the audience short introductions to all of the pieces, most of which were new compositions celebrating Congo Square in New Orleans, which apparently was the only place African slaves were allowed to play music and was an early spark for the Jazz movement. All the musicians were top-notch, and it seemed like each one got a turn as the featured artist.
I enjoyed those features more than anything else since it was harder for me to appreciate the expertise when 20-25 musicians were all contributing equally. The numbers also made it hard to see the musicians, so I especially appreciated the last bit when everyone who wasn’t tied to a piano and drumset formed a line across the front of the stage while continuing to play before marching off.