Some months ago I saw last part of a live-performance by Marcus Miller. Do not know where or what it was, but I was triggered.

Last night I had the ability to experience a concert of him myself. NighTTown was packed. The pre-show was the worst casted band ever. White folks that try to perform not native music always give me a substitute sense of shame… and this was worse. The crowd only cheered when the last song was announced, but they should have gotten the hint as no one was clapping or bouncing along with their Kelly Family-like songs.

Anyhow, after two lucky people were picked to receive a by M.M. signed bass-guitar, the real deal could start.

Before starting with all the superlatives I know… This was pure.

Marcus performs in a way I really appreciate, switching from full in spotlight to “don’t look at me, watch my band!” and spreading credit to the whole… even the guy responsible for amplifier-lines.

A bass-player like this I had never seen and I was amazed what he could get out of it in such a smooth way. His funk is so energyboosting, but even there, it is smooth and often has funny winks to other streams in music. Concerning jazz I am happy I saw him in this ambience and in this relative small place. It felt so darn-right… jazz is a lot of respect… for composer, music, instruments, co-artists and audience. To find the perfect blend of those is hard, but it was there yesterday.

His translation of Moonlight Sonata by Beethoven… oh my God!
Songs for his new album: cannot wait to get it!
Miles Davis by MM & band… sooooo good.

Did I already mentioned that I was thrilled???

His band:
* Dean Brown on guitar: first I thought it was the lead-guitarist of AC/DC… besides being a very thrilling guitarplayer, this guy has the funniest leg-moves I have seen since MontyPythons’ Department of Funny Walks…
* Poogie Bell on drums: this is how it should be… the guy is a machine but moves almost slick.
* Bruce Flowers on keyboards: the silent professor, but with fingerspitzengefühl
* Roger Byam on saxophones: amazed how the unmovement of the body has nothing to do with the amazing feeling one can put in his musical performance
* Michael “Patches” Stewart on trumpet: Man!… respect!

Overall, this was music being made on stage, no gig that is chewn down to an almost auto-pilot performance, as we see sometimes. This was pure, and there are no other words to describe it.

I pay my deepest respect and am thankfull to have been part of it.