BRANFORD MARSALIS AND JOEY CALDERAZZO

Pure. Virtuosity. I borrowed those two words from Dani Elwell’s intro to this dazzling duo on Wednesday night at Koerner Hall – you can also tell the pair have a mutual admiration society – with good reason.

They were debuting their latest work “Songs of Mirth and Melancholy” – but they have been in musical partnership since 1998 – Calderazzo being a member of Marsalis quartet since that time – they also share a passion for jazz education, which is near and dear to my heart. Marsalis is after all a scion of that famous New Orleans clan along with brothers Wynton and Delfayo- mentored and taught by that great mentor and musician aka their dad – Ellis Marsalis.Calderazzo said with great affection that Marsalis has great memory for a tune or phrase but not what key it’s in. He countered that his dad told him it didn’t matter what key something was in – it was the sound that mattered.

Marsalis quickly decided that due to the great acoustics of the hall – they needn’t rely on the microphones and got enthusiastic agreement from the audience – hey, I’m always for lower volume and acoustic when possible…

The two made a joyful noise from the outset – with the rollicking and playful “One Way” fuelled by Marsalis gorgeous tone and Calderazzo’s creative twisting and turning of those notes until they were begging for mercy….and then for some melancholy or perhaps wisfulness – the ode to the Big Easyand a sultry and sweet “Do You Know What It Means to Miss New Orleans”?

Whether it is the classically influenced “La Bard Lachrymose” or “La Valse Kendal” – that almost conjuring a European film soundtrack or even a fresh take on that old chestnut “Cheek to Cheek”, they keep it interesting and the listener involved. Sometimes it even became an old fashioned “cutting”contest – but all in good fun.

One of the most moving pieces of the evening was Calderazzo’s “Hope” – a gorgeous lament, a sparkling ode to the late Michael Brecker .Needless to say not only one but two encores were required to satisfy the patrons – Marsalis joked that “Eternal” written for his wife arose from her questioning as to why the other band members girlfriends had tunes dedicated to them – Marsalis assured her that he hadn’t “heard” it yet.

The love affair with these two that began at Jazz Lives continues unabated.

A quick dash on the subway to catch the Count Basie Orchestra – under the direction of drummer extraordinaire, Dennis Mackrel – in a word – sublime. I heard the soundcheck earlier in the day and knew we were in for a treat.No surprise considering the caliber of musicians that outfit attracts plus the source material – no one swings charts like the Count.

i really like David Pecaut Square - it has a cozier more human element to it, plus during the daytime the all important shade - I have indulged in some shopping from the vendors as well - Mint has some lovely delicate jewellery - they are also located in the Distillery, plus LAG concepts - Loni has some gorgeous flowing earrings - like sea coral plus some intricate and beautiful flower pins and hair ornaments, with exquisite beading - a few theatrical pieces for the more dramatically inclined.

Coming up perhaps a little banjo a la Bela Fleck tonight and some Brazilian grooves with Gord Sheard and Bill McBirnie at Quotes on Saturday.