Attending the Duke Ellington Orchestra performance at Singapore Botanic Gardens.
I have a rather embarrassing revelation.
I have never attended any garden concerts in Singapore prior to yesterday, the reason being, I’ve never truly acclimatised to our astonishing weather.
Yeah. Despite being born and bred in Singapore, and having to train under our tropical sun in school and NS, I’m drenched within minutes of being in the open. So that I don’t go about terrifying people by looking like the SG version of the swamp thing, I avoid outdoor gatherings as much as possible.
When that’s impossible, I switch to minimising “exposure” time. You might have noticed I’m generally very minimal about performances in my Singapore events posts i.e. I’m don’t stay stationary for long. Actually, don’t I mainly post about events that happen after dark?
Yeah …
Despite these, I immediately decided to attend the Duke Ellington Orchestra performance at the Botanic Gardens the moment I read about it being one of the closing performances of Singapore International Festival of Arts 2018 (SIFA2018). I was so excited, I didn’t even finish reading the online synopsis, I surfed to the section on time and venue, read that it was open-air at the Botanic Gardens, and concluded I would go regardless of the venue conditions.
Yup, that’s how much I love the music of the Duke of Jazz. To share a little, Ellington was my formal introduction to big band jazz music. In 1990, my Electone teacher gave me an intermediate level score for Take the A Train and I’ve been a fan ever since; till today, I’m still learning and playing and arranging Ellington songs.
Swamp thing or not, humid tropical furnace or not, no way was I going to miss this SIFA 2018 closing show. I’d be there with ponchos and umbrellas even if it’s pouring.
Before the Performance
Some early evening shots of the Botanic Gardens, before I talk about the concert.
By the way, in an unexpected turn of events, the weather became noticeably cooler minutes after I secured my “vantage” spot. In fact, there were even streaks of lightning in the distant north towards the end of the performance, although the rain never did come. Looking back, it appears even the weather was cooperating with this swinging performance.
And at 6 Pm …
The Duke Ellington Orchestra enters! They opened with what is hands down, the most beloved Duke Ellington song.
After getting the audience all excited about the quickest way to Harlem, the Orchestra followed with Cotton Tail. (If I remember correctly) After which the signature piano opening for Satin Doll rolled in.
The ever exotic Caravan was the fifth number. This began with a rousing jungle drums solo.
A few words about the orchestra. These guys were amazing, beginning with how they performed the opening pieces in suit and tie. (They soon gave up though. LOL).
For me, it was also a great kick to see what I used to call the “stand up and strut your solo” act. You know, the way featured players calmly step out from the orchestra to take centre stage. Needless to say, all of these soloists were superb with their style and technique too. It even became a little depressing for me after a while. I doubt I could ever emulate their articulations on music keyboards.
The Rest of the Duke Ellington Orchestra Performance
Truth be told, when I first read about the performance, I thought 75 minutes was kind of short. Correspondingly, I expected A Train, Satin Doll, Caravan etc. to be performed, but chances are lesser famous compositions would be left out.
Oh no. Not the case at all.
The orchestra truly squeezed every second from the schedule. Performing all the renowned compositions like Prelude to a Kiss and In a Sentimental Mood, and a couple of lesser-known ones too.
Best of all, the orchestra also featured local talents Nick Zavior and Alemay Fernandez as guest vocalists. Alemay, in particular, had half the audience up and dancing with her energetic rendition of It Don’t Mean A Thing (If It Ain’t Got that Swing). That was the high point of the concert.
Thank you Singapore International Festival of Arts 2018 and sponsors for bringing the Duke Ellington Orchestra to Singapore!
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I am now convinced to add Sngapore to my bucket list…