Everything about him is legendary. His toothy smile is as much imbedded into America's history as Elvis' pelvic thrust or Marilyn Monroe's birthday wish. His deep, gravel-like voice rings reminiscently of nights when the world seems wonderful. And his eminent improvisation on the trumpet still epitomizes the word, genius.
Along with other nations across the globe, Taiwan celebrates Louis "Satchmo" Armstrong's one hundredth birthday this year. Conducted by Canadian and long-time Taiwan resident John van Deursen, the Taipei Philharmonic Pops orchestra, in conjunction with the full symphony orchestra, will perform a collage of Armstrong's pieces at the Show Hall in Hsinchu tonight and the National Concert Hall in Taipei on Tuesday.
Armstrong remains one of the world's greatest legends. Overcoming the poverty of New Orleans, he transcended racial boundaries with his unique style of music. And after 70 years of scatting, bending notes, and revolutionizing the way to play the trumpet, Armstrong left the world the musical legacy of the twentieth century — jazz.
"I was too young to see Louis Armstrong's live performances," says van Deursen. "But even from his tapes and recordings, I always felt a positive energy from him." Dedicating two months of preparation to the concert, van Deursen wanted to put together a special commemoration for the centennial of Armstrong. "When you watch the man, you just start smiling."
Though Taiwan's jazz community is still small, van Deursen hopes that such jazz concerts will help promote this type of music on the island. "The jazz community here is certainly not as big as those in North America," says the conductor. "People here become discouraged to play jazz. But in the next five to ten years, the community should start to grow larger."
The concert will also feature guest jazz pianist Ronnie Kole, who bears the nickname "the man with 1,000 fingers." In addition to being a pianist extraordinaire, Kole blesses the stage with a humorous and entertaining personality. "Ronnie Kole brings people into the music," says van Deursen. "Just like Armstrong."
The program will include some of Armstrong's most renowned pieces, such as "What a Wonderful World," "Cabaret," and "Hello, Dolly." "Personally, I think the audience will most enjoy hearing 'When the Saints Go Marchin' In,'" says van Deursen. "But the orchestra will most enjoy playing 'In Vienna'," he says, chuckling. Part of van Deursen's originally arranged medley of Armstrong's songs, "In Vienna" takes the form of a Tchaikovsky-esque waltz. "Every time we practice it, the string section perks right up."
In addition to Armstrong's music, the concert will also include an original piece by van Deursen. Although the concert focuses on honoring Armstrong's work, van Deursen will feel personal achievement from the world premiere of the third movement of his "Concerto for Jazz Piano and Orchestra." "The highlight of the concert, for me, will be Ronnie Kole playing my piano concerto."
Replete with Armstrong's classics, modern pieces and arrangements, and unforgettable personalities, this birthday celebration of a century-old legend will revel in the magic of jazz.
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