Quick Takes from ITF 2023: Marshall Gilkes’ Cyclic Journey in Concert
Prince once said Albums Still Matter. Like Books and Black Lives … Albums Still Matter. Tonight and Always.
Well, tonight on the first night of ITF 2023, Marshall Gilkes led us through a journey – a book of stories if you will – for all to hear and see that albums still matter and are needed for the live experience. Here are a few quick takes:
- Released in 2022, Gilkes brought forth the album Cyclic Journey with music that features the backing of a rhythm section with an 8-piece brass ensemble. Click here to check out the details of this record.
- With his signature pedal-note jumping, there is constant amazement in how his bottom notes pop out to then quickly hoist a phrase right to the stratosphere of the trombone.
- The compositional writing is captivatingly musical. Not only do the melodies and solos lyrically flow, but the chord changes are also a continuum of phrasing, naturally guiding from one movement to the next.
- Gilkes’ writing and playing highlight his exemplary model of bridging both classical and jazz music.
- As one can experience various emotions in classical music, tonight’s blending of classical and jazz brought an equal amount of joy, goosebumps, and tears. Yes, tears for this writer, that sometimes can only be stirred by melodious sounds. The 9-movement suite showcased much positivity that resolves to a smile.
- Cyclic Journey is just that. A cycle of the highs and lows of life that continue (sometimes) in an endless revolutionary journey, making us wonder what happens next in getting to either that valley or that mountaintop of life.
- A special kudos goes to the rhythm section from the New England Conservatory. Listeners are in for a treat this week with the cohesive timekeeping from Kai Burns (Guitar), Sam Reiss (Bass), and Alex Yoo (Drums).
- Other members for tonight’s performance were:
- Trumpet, Piccolo Trumpet, Flugelhorn – Jeff Luke, Joe Reardon, Peyden Shelton
- Horn – Anita Miller
- Euphonium – Jason Donnelly
- Tenor Trombone – Joseph Alessi
- Bass Trombone – Nick Schwartz
- Tuba – Alex Purdy
