Jazz Muzings

"Jazz is...... an open-ended music designed for open minds." - Anonymous

One of the things I liked the most about Season 10 of American Idol is that musical genres previously overlooked had finally been given their dues.  James Durbin's efforts to give Heavy Metal a minor comeback was admirable, but it was Jazz that truly shined in Season 10 thanks in large part to Haley and Casey.  Haley incorporated jazz into many of her performances, and their duet of 'Moanin' was THE highlight of the season.  As for Casey, I would never have imagined his performance of 'Nature Boy' would be among my favorite Idol performances of the season.  I mean 'Nature Boy,' really???!!!

I never considered myself a true jazz listener, much less a connoisseur on the subject.  Sure, I've been to a couple of Playboy Jazz Festivals with some friends and enjoy the more popular jazz standards as much as anyone, but I've always regarded jazz as an acquired taste that is somewhat elusive.  Jazz has a sophistication that can be intimidating and, well, you just don't typically hear it on contemporary Top 40 radio playlists.  However, Haley and Casey as well as other contemporary artists such as Michael Bublé, Harry Connick Jr. and Diana Krall have enjoyed some success in putting jazz into the 'mainstream.'

One of my posts just wouldn't be complete without some Haley Reinhart videos.  Featured here is her duet of 'Moanin' with Casey.  Following are also two versions of her 'God Bless the Child.'  The first was from her famous 'Rubicon Moment' during Hollywood Round 2 when she literally sang for her life after forgetting the lyrics of Kansas's 'Carry On My Wayward Son' in the group round.  She displayed great improvisational skills (the mark of a true jazz artist) and timing during this performance by bringing her secret weapon with her, the growl, and unleashing it at the perfect strategic moment to maximize effect and wow the judges.  The second was her impromptu performance with well known jazz trumpeter Irvin Mayfield when the Idols tour made its swing through New Orleans.  The video was posted by Casey and, though it looks a bit shaky at times, really captured the dark smoky jazz lounge vibe.  But best of all, Haley's voice drips like honey in this performance and, like fine vintage wine, it gets better with age.  I lost count on how many times I listened to it and it sounds better each time.  Lastly, three of Haley's performances from 2010 when she was with the Harper College Jazz Ensemble I uploaded on my YouTube Channel.  Enjoy these while we eagerly await her holiday treat to the fans, her duet of 'Baby, It's Cold Outside' with Casey Abrams due out later this month.  You can listen to a preview here: http://youtu.be/Lu9ADTojJaQ.  Sublime....