On a hot, muggy August night, the Utah Symphony served up some New Orleans Hot Jazz.
Banu Gibson and her six-member band delivered jazz renditions from the '20s and '30s that were satisfying if somewhat rollicking for the appreciative but small Abravanel Hall audience."Do you know what Salt Lake and New Orleans have in common?" Gibson asked at the start of her 13-number program. "Nothing," she joked, obviously forgetting about the professional basketball team in residence a few doors west of Abravanel Hall. But let's not slam-dunk the vocalist, who scored decidedly with her versatility.
Banu ("that's really my name") kept up a lively banter with the audience throughout the evening when she wasn't belting out tunes from the jazz era. She even managed to embarrass a television news cameraman at one point, ordering the spotlight turned on him so he could show off his shirt.
Gibson's repertoire included the quick-paced "I'd Rather Lead the Band" and "Truckin' " as well as the slow, methodical "Lazy Bones - Rockin' Chair." The latter featured Gibson, clarinetist Tom Fischer, trumpeter Charles Fardella and trombonist David Sager sitting with feet dangling off the end of the stage, casting imaginary fishing lines into the audience.
"Roll 'em Pete" provided pianist David Boeddinghaus a chance to pound out a tune that drew appreciate applause from even the symphony musicians. And bass player Evan Dain took the spotlight in "Slap That Bass," which also had Gibson putting on her tap shoes and "doing my impersonation of Fred Astaire."
Only drummer Jeff Hamilton seemed a bit short-changed in the solo arena, being allowed only one stint - along with the other players - in "I Would Do Anything For You."
Gibson did a credible "Heat Wave," noting that the song was introduced by Ethel Waters and performed in the movies by Marilyn Monroe. "A very versatile song," she deadpanned. Indeed.
She also breezed easily through "George Gershwin's favorite George Gershwin song," "I've Got Rhythm." The band's encore - what else? - "When the Saints Go Marching In," had the audience clapping and even singing along a few of the lines.
The symphony, which provided accompaniment for about half the New Orleans Hot Jazz tunes, began the program with a lively "Overture to Orpheus in the Underworld," followed by Saint-Saens' "Carnival of the Animals."
"We wanted to do something decidedly French," assistant conductor Kory Katseanes said in explaining the offerings. "Carnival of the Animals" was written for Mardi Gras weekend in a weekend, Katseanes said. "Carnival" featured Neva Fickling and Paul Pollei ably performing on piano. Each movement was introduced with Ogden Nash commentary, narrated by Ricklen Nobis.
"Overture to Orpheus in the Underworld" featured the solo talents of Holly Gornik on oboe, J. Ryan Selberg on cello and concertmaster Ralph Matson on violin.
Gibson made a plug for the Utah Symphony near the end of her performance. "We in New Orleans know what it's like to lose a symphony. If music is food for the masses, you have a feast for the soul here in this symphony. Get out and support them. Give tickets for Christmas presents."
Next weekend Tchaikovsky's "1812 Overture" is the featured work. Let's hope the cannon announces the start of a season and not the demise of a great orchestra.