Do you feel that being in the balcony limited your ability to enjoy the show? I was up there too, and while I still enjoyed it, I would have liked to be able to see what I was hearing. I’m sorry to hear that you weren’t in the proper mindset for the show, I can definitely say that I was. I am a passive fan of jazz, but the added latin flavor of Rodriguez is what really sells his appeal for me.

Improvisation is, at least in my mind, the art of finding something new. In this respect, Rodriguez does not disappoint. He has developed a distinct style, and takes advantage of his vast theoretical knowledge in order to depart from the traditional. By working over relatively simple chordal structures, he gives himself free reign to improvise mindlessly. If he were hung up on keeping track of the song, I don’t think he would have the ability to let go and let his improvisational spirit fly.

In terms of the performance, while the musicians were excellent, the music was not. I’m not the first to bring up sound quality; it is such a shame that some of the nuances were lost amid balancing problems. Nothing ruins a show faster than bad mixing. I was able to connect briefly with some parts, but it is difficult to get lost in the music when you can hardly hear the instruments for the drums.

As in life, context in music is everything. That is why I find poetry set to music so enthralling. The melisma over “abgefallen” (from: The grass withereth, and the flower thereof ‘falleth away’) is one of my favorite examples. Brahms’ word painting allows an intimate connection to both the verse, and his intention. Though he did pick all of the words, his melodies are what give them life.

Hey Robbie,

Listening to anything in a foreign language can be hard to follow. Once you get lost, finding your place again is next to impossible! I found the same thing happened to me when I tried to follow just the words, but if you listen to the music it often gives cues to the changing of lines and emotions throughout the song. It also lets you appreciate some of the word painting going on throughout the piece!

I wouldn’t mind seeing this myself, although I’m not familiar with any group that tours this way! Maybe a female hip-hop dance group would be able to do it. I would like to see more female presence, but I personally would be fine with a mixed gender group as well. As long as they can dance, that is the important part

The martial arts have never seemed so effortless and graceful. Having attended a capoeira workshop earlier in the month; it is obvious to me that these are people who have dedicated their lives to the art and are, quite frankly, superior to me in every way.  Much of the more impressive moves that were being performed by Compagnie Käfig had their roots in capoeira: flips, cartwheels, and fantastic contortions are all integral to the fighting style.  While they showed a nearly unattainable level of physical manipulation, it is supposedly possible for anyone to take up the basics.  I figured that I would post a link to a contact page for some local groups in case anyone was interested in learning more.  Personally, I think I favor my limbs intact, but it does look like fun.
http://home.znet.com/capoeira_list/mi_annarbor.htm

Kronos Quartet seems to make a habit out of going against expectations. Their use of electronics is something that I get a great deal of satisfaction out of as well. For one, it makes normally inaudible techniques come through with unheard vibrance. The pizzicato of a single violin becomes hugely present, and gliding through the different harmonics on the cello can provide a background rather than just buzzing. The electronic aspect also allows for syncing with previously recorded tracks that, while being strikingly beautiful, (Tashweesh was my favorite new piece I’ve heard this year with it’s gritty mechanical grinding) are also obvious and occasionally overpowering; in a good way.

Long story short, I’d see them again.