Jazz and Strings is a great way to bring timeless jazz standards and the American songbook to classical concertgoers.
The trio is well-rehearsed and great with the audience.
I really appreciated how professional and well-written the orchestra parts were. Additionally, the instrumentation is flexible so the group is willing to work with an orchestra’s budget.
Matthew Aubin
I wanted to comment on the fabulous program last evening "A Tribute To John Coltrane & Johnny Hartman". This was our second program that we have attended of Jazz and Strings and I cannot tell you how spectacular these programs are. I just love how the strings with the jazz musicians complement each other so very well.
We couldn't have enjoyed this program anymore than we did. It was just out of this world! We look forward to many more such as this and Giacomo Gates was a great asset. I personally like having a vocalist in the program.
Jill Price
The Jazz and Strings collaboration between the Hartford Symphony Orchestra celebrating Jazz Legends is the ultimate in blending of the best we have to offer in music. As the principal of the CREC Greater Hartford Academy of the Arts and a huge jazz fan, I applaud Gene Bozzi for his vision of melded musical genres to help lovers of Jazz and Classical music find the harmony and rhythm of both. Whether it is the music of Wes Montgomery, John Coltrane, Johnny Hartman, Cannonball Adderley or modern giants like Jimmy Greene audiences are treated to the passion of the artists they celebrate. If you love music, the HSO Jazz and Strings collaboration is a must on your musical social calendar.
Jeff Ostroff Principal CREC Greater Hartford Academy of the Arts The Learning Corridor & Colt Gateway
I became aware of the HSO Jazz with Strings series last week and had the good fortune of seeing the concert last Friday.
In a word—WONDERFUL!
In fact, not only did I enjoy the jazz ‘part’ of the concert, the strings reminded me that the 30 year absence from the symphony is an error that I need to rectify very soon.
Thank you very much for keeping this music alive.
Phillip Montgomery
Jazz and Strings concerts present the best sounds & rhythm we've ever had the pleasure to hear. This combination of uniquely talented musicians playing to perpetual standing ovations, inspired by great arrangements, and Gene Bozzi's amazing percussion performances, guarantee that you'll soon be an admirer and follower of this group. Whenever you have a chance to hear them, don't miss it!
Charles Regulbuto
Greetings, my name is Maurice D. Robertson board member of the Hartford Jazz Society and weekly jazz radio announcer at WWUH.org/91.3fm. I have had the distinct musical pleasure through the past six years ,experiencing five jazz and strings collaborations. All have been unique and creative in the collaging of string arrangements with original works by the featured soloists.
In one concert, saxophonist Sue Terry saw her work enhanced boldly in an intimate presentation, with the strings and percussion section , playing with verve and imagination. Another concert I attended was with the song bird, Rosena Hill-Jackson, again another special night, as the assemblage of symphony and jazz musicians floated with her , throughout her enlivening vocal flights. Cheers to those moments and future opportunities for these types of concerts.