The most unpredictable expression of American orchestra versatility arrived with the appearance of Willie Nelson. In an unexpected example of serendipity, the cancellation of Natalie Cole’s performance opened the way for a live presentation of the musical encounter between Marsalis and Nelson chronicled on their just-released CD, “Two Men With the Blues.”
That’s an unlikely pairing, and its success was largely based upon the integration of Nelson into the flawless backing of various Lincoln Center orchestra ensembles. In five songs from the album, reaching from the irresistible blues of “My Bucket’s Got a Hole In It” and “Caldonia” to the sophistication of “Stardust,” Nelson’s timeless, beyond-style vocals were framed by a series of evocative combinations, from the full orchestra to a New Orleans-style small band. The set’s peak was Marsalis’ Louis Armstrong-inspired solo on “Stardust.”
The musically diverse evening opened with a busy set by virtuosic young pianist Eldar Djangirov, who offered his best playing in those passages that allowed some imaginative lyricism to sneak past his flying fingers.