This weekend, jazz group Big Fun played a concert of electronic renditions of tunes by the prolific jazz trumpeter, Miles Davis. The group consists of several skilled and colorful musicians, many of whom are faculty at the music school: Mark Kirschenmann on trumpet, Stephen Rush on keyboard, Jeremy Edwards on drums, Jonathan Edwards on guitar, Dan Piccolo on percussion, Tim Flood on bass, and Patrick Booth on saxophone.
This concert took place on two nights and in two venues: the first concert was on March 11th at East Quad’s Keene Theater and the second on March 12th at Encore Records. I went to the first night in Keene Theater, which I thought was the perfect space for the concert: low-lit and intimate like a jazz club. Big Fun played Miles Davis pieces from the 1970s and onwards including “Bitches Brew,” “Right Off,” “Black Satin,” and more. Each piece flowed seamlessly into the next; there was not one moment in the concert when the energy was let down.
Watching this concert was akin to a satisfying workout; it was long, breathless, packed with adrenaline, and most of all, fun. I could tell that the performers were experienced with performing together (and with performing in general) by the way they dug into the music with contagious confidence.
Each musician had a unique playing style that added dimension to the listening experience. Mark Kirschenmann, whose trumpet was made electric with various pedals, cleverly played with and reworked melodies. Stephen Rush’s electric piano and organ gave the music a wild harmonic crunch. Jeremy Edwards’ drum playing was both energized and reliable. Jonathan Edward’s guitar playing and Tim Flood’s bass playing provided smart and stylish counterpoint and foundational motifs. Dan Piccolo’s various percussion instruments offered refreshing splashes of color, and Patrick Booth’s saxophone lines were long and smooth.
During the concert, a live, interactive video created by Simon Alexander-Adams and videographer Theo Schear was projected on the screen. The visuals were successful in reflecting the compactness, intricacy, and diversity in the music.
This was one of the most impressive concerts I have seen all year. While being loyal to Miles Davis’ musical fingerprint, Big Fun was comfortable and confident with experimenting and digging in with their own unique voices. The musicians devoted a huge amount of energy to their performance and gave the audience a convincing and cutting-edge Miles Davis experience.
