Jazz Comes to the Symphony

By Rob Christopher in Arts & Entertainment on Mar 10, 2009 9:45PM

We're not objective when it comes to jazz: we believe Blue Note is still the best jazz label, and this year it's celebrating its 70th anniversary. Since 1939 they've pretty much recorded every major jazz figure (with notable exceptions, like Ken Vandermark). Not bad for a company founded by a pair of Jewish refugees fleeing Nazi Germany. First recording in a series of rented studios, they later used engineer Rudy Van Gelder's genius to create the "Blue Note sound."

Blue Note is bringing the party to Symphony Center on Friday, March 20. An all-star lineup consisting of Bill Charlap, Peter Bernstein, Ravi Coltrane (son of John) , Lewis Nash, Nicholas Payton, Peter Washington and Steve Wilson will offer reinterpretations of some of Blue Note's most famous recordings. The music of Bud Powell, Thelonious Monk, Herbie Hancock, and many others will be featured. With the gorgeous sound of Orchestra Hall, this show is not to be missed.

Friday, March 20 at Symphony Center, 220 S Michigan, 8 p.m., tickets still available