Is there a better way to wash away the woes of a Monday than with some sultry smooth jazz? I think not. The University of South Florida began it’s 21st season of Monday Night Jazz last night and played host to one of the genre’s most desired guitarist, Peter Bernstein.
Accompanying him was the university’s very own Jazz Faculty Ensemble comprised of guitarist LaRue Nickelson, bassist Mark Neuenschwander, pianist Chris Rottmayer and drummer Ric Craig. Together they rocked the concert hall with each booming pluck of the cello bass and sweep of the fretboard on Bernstein’s signature Zeidler Archtop guitar.
While the show was short, there wasn’t a minute of the hour-and-a-half show where my toe wasn’t tapping, and though Bernstein was the headlining act, he generously shared the spotlight with each member of his backing band, allowing them show off their skills and break out into his own triumphant solo. Each solo earned a well-deserved round of applause; myself included on this applause. The set list included both original tunes such as “Bones” a track named after his dog as well as classics such like “I Love You” by mid 20th-century jazz composer Cole Porter.
Bernstein’s emotion and expertise showed, making jazz guitar look like air guitar. Eyes closed and guitar in hand. he strummed away like some sort of unrelenting force. Each song gained momentum and tempo, throwing the listener into a chase after the beautiful and gracious sounds of Bernstein’s guitar. The show ended with Bernstein bringing in saxophonist Jack Wilkins to show the crowd what he could do. Bernstein then thanked the crowd for showing up. The show would be merely a sound check without an audience, after all, and Bernstein was right.
So do yourself a favor and check out a Monday Night Jazz Series show. The next one is on Februrary 26. The headlining act is Grammy nominee, John Beasley and his accomplished MONK’estra.
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