Review by William Chan
The Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, led by renowned US trumpeter Wynton Marsalis held a series of performances in China earlier this month, with shows in Beijing, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, as well as on Saturday in Macau where they performed at the Macau Cultural Centre’s (CCM) Grand Auditorium.
Throughout their tour, the big band garnered mixed reviews on mainland social media. In Shenzhen, where they collaborated with a symphonic orchestra—a rather unconventional choice—opinions were particularly polarised among jazz enthusiasts. While I was unable to attend the Shenzhen performance, the concept of combining a big band with an orchestral ensemble may have seemed questionable to some.
Fortunately, local listeners had the opportunity to experience the big band’s performance in Macau, and I found it to be exceptional. Live music often surpasses the controlled perfection of studio recordings, showcasing the raw talent and skill of the musicians. In a world dominated by artificial intelligence (AI) and technology, witnessing unaltered live music at such a high calibre, save for basic audio equipment like microphones and mixers, was truly awe-inspiring.
Admittedly, no concert is flawless. I personally would have welcomed fewer Chinese-themed compositions, which I found to be lacklustre at times, and wished they had more solos which many of us had been expecting. Overall, the reception was largely positive, with attendees thoroughly enjoying the show and revelling in the presence of the music legends.
Despite this, a few disparaging comments surfaced, notably from a prominent local jazz musician who faulted the band for what he perceived as a subpar performance in Macau. Additionally, he insinuated that international performers may not always deliver their best for audiences they consider less musically discerning and mocked those who found merit in their performance as lacking an understanding of “quality music”.
While the performance could have been more energetic, I would not go as far as to say it was underwhelming. Wynton Marsalis not only showcased his musical prowess but also displayed a gracious demeanour by interacting with fans backstage, posing for photos, and engaging with them. His unwavering dedication to music education, demonstrated through resources he shares on YouTube, underscores his mission to cultivate a deep appreciation and love of music among audiences of all backgrounds, prioritising enjoyment and comprehension over the somewhat simplistic perception of “good music”.
It is undeniable that local music may not always meet the same standards, but harbouring an elitist attitude does little to uplift Macau’s music community. Segregating listeners into categories of “knowing good music” versus those who do not does hinder the collective appreciation of music in all its forms. Instead, we should strive to promote inclusivity and encourage all music enthusiasts to embrace and enjoy diverse musical experiences without prejudice.
The Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra plays an encore at the Macau Cultural Centre’s (CCM) Grand Auditorium on Saturday night, with Wynton Marsalis in the second row. – Photo: William Chan
