Wynton Marsalis’ Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra to Highlight Festival with Rich Legacy
The Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra (JLCO), under the direction of renowned trumpeter Wynton Marsalis, is set to serve as a cornerstone of this year’s music festival. The orchestra, which has garnered acclaim over its 40-year history, was established by Marsalis alongside surviving members of the legendary Duke Ellington’s ensemble.
Reflecting on the formation of the JLCO, Marsalis recalls, “These were musicians I had only experienced through recordings, and the notion that I could simply reach out to them and they’d join us for rehearsals was astonishing.” He reminisces about the electric atmosphere they created, noting the significant age difference between himself in his twenties and them in their sixties and seventies. “When they entered the room to discuss the music, the energy was palpable.”
Among these esteemed figures was Joe Temperley, a celebrated saxophonist from Cowdenbeath, Scotland. Having collaborated with Ellington since the 1960s, Temperley became a beloved member of the JLCO, dedicating 25 years to the orchestra until his passing in 2016 at the age of 86.
“During Joe’s tenure in the band, we often selected songs specifically for him, particularly during our visits to Scotland,” Marsalis shared. “With a personality that was more reserved, Joe would often downplay the focus on himself, yet his presence resonated deeply in the music.”
Marsalis adds, “Even now, certain pieces evoke emotions and bring us to tears as we remember Joe. His artistry was marked by profound integrity and an unparalleled connection to the music.” As the JLCO takes to the stage, it will carry forward the legacy of jazz giants, celebrating the past while forging new pathways in the genre.
Source: Original Source
