Review: The Anderson Brothers Present THE JOURNEY OF JAZZ at 59E59 Theaters-A Fabulous Musical Experience

"Jazz is a way of life." from The Journey of Jazz

Some of the best jazz music in NYC is being presented at 59E59 Theaters through December 11. Brothers, Peter and Will Anderson and their ultra-talented ensemble of musicians are performing in "The Journey of Jazz." The show features an excellent selection of songs, a captivating narration, video clips, and projections that take the audience through a century's long evolution of jazz styles and their influence on history, pop culture, and Broadway. With the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, the show is an ideal opportunity to sit back, relax, and experience an outstanding musical journey.

The production starts with a spirited ragtime classic, "Maple Leaf Rag" by Scott Joplin. The show continues to showcase the exquisite songs and talented people that have been instrumental in the development of jazz. Musical gems that are performed by the live band include "Struttin' With Some Barbecue" by Louis Armstrong; "Take the A Train" by Billy Strayhorn; "Moonlight Serenade" by Glenn Miller; "The Girl from Ipanema" by Antonio Carlos Jobim; "Blue Rondo a la Turk" by Dave Brubeck; and "The Pink Panther Theme" by Henry Mancini. The program was topped off by an original composition by Peter Anderson. Each and every number in the show is performed to perfection.

Audience members will also like hearing the perspectives of such greats as Duke Ellington and seeing projections of renowned musicians that include Count Basie, Dizzy Gillespie, John Coltrane, and Thelonious Monk.

The six member musical ensemble includes Peter Anderson on tenor and soprano saxophone and clarinet; Will Anderson on alto and baritone saxophone, clarinet and flute; Bruce Harris on trumpet; Neal Miner and Clovis Nicolas on Bass; Paul Wells on the drum set; and Dalton Ridenhour on piano.

The Creative and Production Teams have done a great job of bringing The Journey of Jazz to 59E59 Theaters. They include the directors, Peter and Will Anderson; script, narration, video production by Will Anderson; musical arrangements, original composition by Peter Anderson; lighting design by Jamie Johnson; artistic directors, Peter and Will Anderson; production manager, Melissa Shawcross; and technical director and electrician, Jamie Johnson.

We applaud the talented team of Peter and Will Anderson for presenting the finest in jazz music to 59E59 Theaters. This is their seventh show on the Upper East Side stage and we're so glad they are back again. Gather your group and enjoy a production that is pure pleasure.

The Anderson Brothers Present The Journey of Jazz will be at 59E59 Theaters in Theater A through 12/11. The venue is located at 59 East 59th Street (between Madison and Park Avenues). The run time of the show is 90 minutes with no intermission. For tickets and more information, click here or call 212.753.5959.

Photo Credit: Lynn Redmile