Trumpets Jazz Club & Restaurant in Montclair, N.J. played host to jazz great Nelson Rangell on October 7, 2006. The saxophone virtuoso gave an outstanding performance showcasing his talents on alto and tenor sax, flute and piccolo. Rangell was joined by band members Jay Rowe on keyboard, Trevor Somerville on drums, and Dave Livolsi on bass guitar.
Rangell’s first set featured a variety of songs ranging from past hits to current CD tunes. He opened with the hypnotic groove of “City Lights”. “Rainbow Seeker” demonstrated Nelson’s extreme virtuosity on flute with a rhythmic drive highlighted by solos and improvisations traded by the band. Other songs included James Taylor’s “Theme for A One Man Dog part 2," "Fall as the Wind" and “Don’t You Worry About A Thing.” .He ended the set with “Turning Night Into Day”, a song he wrote eleven years ago, which was electrifying!.
Between sets, Rangell chatted with the crowd, posed for pictures along with Brian Kelleher from SONY BMG.
Rangell’s last set included an explosive mixture of tunes such as Leonard Bernstein’s “America” featuring flute, a “New Avenger” co-written by Alec Bugnon. In one song he went off into an improv beginning with the piccolo and transitioning into the sweetest whistling I have ever heard.
Nelson Rangell is a sax player extraordinaire! His high energy, passion for his music and mesmerizing talent captivated the audience. In addition to the fine music,Trumpets Jazz Club and Restaurant offered a delicious menu, intimate surroundings, and warm hospitality by hosts Kristine Massari and Enrico Granafei.
Nelson Rangell is slated to return to Trumpets in the Spring of 2007. Don’t miss it! In the meantime, check out Trumpets Jazz Club and Restaurant weekly line-up of exceptional jazz!
Donna K. Vaupel
