Al Strong opens the first night in a weeklong full of concerts with a bang. The UNC Summer Jazz Camp was blessed tonight with the performance of Al Strong and other renowned players including Rahsaan Barber on the saxophone, Stephen Anderson on the keys, Jason Foureman on the bass, Roland Barber on the Trombone, and Kobie Watkins on the drums.
Al Strong played many original pieces all with a personal connection to himself. He told stories of African American history even having one of his original pieces about Harriet Tubman.
The venue was bright with a stage set with soundboards at the back to project the band’s sounds into the crowd. Microphones also accompanied them to help resonate their wonderful melodies with even more clarity.
One of the highlights of the night was Strong’s original piece titled “The Dog”, which he says is a story about relationships and the backstory behind it not particularly suited for a younger audience. But the piece itself was invigorating with lots of bombastic sections followed by wonderful and passionate solos.
The atmosphere was transformed into a vibe of passion. Throughout the piece, you can see the iconic “stank face” on all of the performers as they stirred the souls of the crowd.
At the end of the concert, Strong got the crowd involved with the music. He initiated a call and response with his soothing voice and tasty melodies. He would sing a line and the crowd would sing it back to him.
As the final chords were played it was clear that this was a moment to remember as the crowd stood in applause in awe of the masterpiece they had just witnessed. The ability to captivate the crowd and take them on a journey through the melodies and rhythms of the pieces was legendary.
In a transforming world, the live music played here tonight serves as a reminder of the timelessness of being in the present and experiencing the now. Tonight truly showcased the impact of jazz on our souls, community, and country.