Jazz Performance Essay

Two weeks ago, I attended a jazz performance in a jazz bar together with a few close friends. It was a two hour show and there were 3 sets. The band was made up of five members. One played the drums, another was on piano, two played wind instruments, and the other served as the lead singer. Their performance was very alive and truly entertaining. They accepted requests from the guests. The band had a wide repertoire. Mostly, the songs they played were derived from the blues era. However, one set was devoted to recent jazz hits such as those of Michael Buble. Some of the songs they played were those of Marvin Gaye, Louis Armstrong, and Kenny G. Also, they devoted majority of their third set to Bossa Nova sound. The band did not play any of their own compositions. Being that they were only formed six months ago, they have yet to reach the point wherein they can come up with their own songs. Their show was truly entertaining. They brought a lot of brightness to an otherwise dull venue. There was not much lighting in the bar. The spotlight was directed towards the stage. I believe such lighting was meant to emphasize the intimacy of the event and of the place. Majority of the crowd was composed of couples. The music they played was ideal for dates. The music they played enhanced the romantic mood inside the venue. There was no political symbolism in their music. The main purpose of their music was to entertain the guests. Admittedly, there was nothing truly special about their performance. In fact, it can be considered a regular gig for a regular band. However, the important element in their performance was that they were able to entertain the guests and that they were able to make the people enjoy their time listening to their music.