I fixated on an unsold ticket in the center of the front row for Artemis’ appearance at the Gem Theater during the first two weeks of March. Two factors kept me from immediately pulling the trigger.
At $81.20 including fees, it’d be among the most expensive concert tickets I’ve purchased. Furthermore, the band’s mainstream jazz isn’t my favorite form of improvised music. I’m glad I bought the ticket in a foolhardy moment.
My heart sank moments after sitting in the best seat in the house on Saturday, March 18. A forest of music stands cluttered the stage, an indication my apprehensions were warranted. Sure enough, the musicians buried their noses in charts for much of the 90-minute performance.
Yet the sextet won me over with prodigious talent, good cheer and unusual dynamics. The latter element is epitomized by the contrast between pianist Renee Rosnes, a meticulous craftsperson, and the robustness of the charismatic drummer Allison Miller.
Artemis’ comradery led to something I’d never seen on a bandstand: reed player Alexa Tarantino and bassist Noriko Ueda blew kisses to one another. Trumpeter Ingrid Jensen cheered the impressive solos of her bandmates. Razor-sharp blasts from her horn threatened to decapitate the otherwise fortunate fans up front.
The straight-ahead grounding of the music was balanced by occasional bursts of dissonance and plenty of sublime surprises. Tarantino and saxophonist Nicole Glover successfully employed the sneaky tactic of beginning monumental statements with affected tentativeness.
Satisfied the monetary investment provided a priceless artistic experience, I joined the audience of more than 250 in giving the sextet a standing ovation. Exceeding my entertainment budget was justified even if it means missing the next concert in the American Jazz Museum’s Jammin’ at the Gem series.
Original image by Plastic Sax.