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Magical Jazz Evenings Enjoyed at German Embassy and Ambassador’s Residence
The romantic atmosphere created by numerous strings of lights, grilled brats, German beer, casual conversations, and the outstanding music of the German Academic All Stars jazz ensemble made for an enchanting evening on Thursday, June 26. This special outdoor concert, the first at the German Embassy, attracted an audience of over 300 guests; the terrace of the Embassy House was filled to capacity.
That the young artists have jazz music in their blood became evident to anyone who observed how they performed with such ease before the large audience. Their relaxed and open style helped create the atmosphere of a lively garden party. The crowning highlight came later in the evening, when jazz legends Lennie Cujé and Steve Novosel joined the band on vibraphone and bass, respectively, even though they had never before played with the young students. True jazz lovers among the captivated audience could then no longer contain themselves and joined in, tapping enrapt to the beat of the music. The audience was especially impressed by the skillful improvisations, played as though the artists had become one with their instruments.
As the pleasant evening gradually drew to a close, it was clear that many guests would gladly have spent a while longer. Due to guests’ thoroughly positive feedback, another performance is planned for 2009. The New York City-based group gave two additional concerts during their short stay in Washington, DC. On Wednesday, June 25, Ambassador Scharioth hosted an outdoor jazz concert by the German Academic All Stars on the terrace of the Ambassador’s Residence.
The ensemble, which included Carolin Pook on violin, Volker Goetze on trumpet, Joe Hertenstein on drums, Pascal Niggenkemper on double bass, and Axel Schwintzer on piano, performed original compositions of current and former All Stars and improvisations in a broad range of styles.
Prior to that, the All Stars gave a free concert on the Kennedy Center’s Millennium Stage on Tuesday, June 24. A clip from the live broadcast of this concert is posted on the Kennedy Center’s website. June 30, 2008 Links
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