Summer. Jazz. New York City

All the vehicles lining up like in a factory assembly line, scrambling to enter the tunnel during the lunch time rush hour. At the other end of the tunnel, a city that is elegant, stylish, and undoubtedly arrogant, passionately welcoming all the people, black or white, or anything in between. The city is not quite a melting pot. Individualism is a common symptom that infected most of the people in the city. However, the people in this city with all heart were excited about the slumping Yankees defeated Tampa Bay by scoring 13 point in the 8 inning the night before. A radio station’s DJ proudly hailed the Yankees for making one of the greatest come back in baseball history. The people, the rich or the poor, are proud to live in the city. It’s all about the city. Yes, it’s the city of New York.

Day 1. Entering the city
With tremendous of anticipation, I drove to New York City for the JVC Jazz festival. Breezing through the New Jersey Turnpike, it was an easy ride. When I arrived at the Lincoln Tunnel, the traffic became congested. All the vehicles were trying to squeeze into the tunnel as if the world is going to collapse. That’s the first taste of how New Yorkers drive; rude. The plan to arrive at Queens before 1pm officially became unrealistic when I realized crossing Manhattan during the noon time is not a smart choice. It is better be safe than sorry, I thought. I drove patiently. I do have patience for this chaotic traffic. Indeed, I usually do have patience for most of the chaotic situation. Since NYC is rather a busy and chaotic city, I choose not to explore too many tourist spots. This would be like a spiritual trip for a Buddhist going to sacred sites in India. This trip would be all about jazz.

Day 1. Night. Keith Jarrett Trio. At Carnegie Hall
I didn’t know how to restrain my excitement when Keith Jarrett, Garry Peacock and Jack DeJohnette taking the stage. Keith Jarrett is widely acclaimed as one of the best jazz pianist and his standard trio is also known as the best. Like usual, Keith Jarrett grunted and groaned during his performance. He stood up or half-stood while he’s still playing the fine tune. He moved his body like he is dancing along with the tune. He played piano like none other. Yet, his music is so crisp, emotional, touching, and remarkably beautiful. The sold-out crowd in Carnegie Hall felt the same way like I do. We cheered. We applauded. We were touched. Many audiences were taking snap shot with flash on, which eventually pissed Keith Jarrett off. After the second encores, Keith Jarrett yelled at the audience who took photos with flash on for being intrusive. He was right about it. Those flashes are annoying. At the last encore, the trio played “When I fall in love.” My heart immediately melted. Keith Jarrett and his trio got the well deserved standing ovation. This is definitely the best jazz concert I have ever been.


Day 2. In the Park
The greenness of the Central Park had ironed in my mind after numerous movie scenes highlighted this green lung of Manhattan. It was surreal when the sunshine radiating behind trees and glowed into a palette of ultimate summer green. It is almost identical scene like in the movie, Great Expectations, except there were no Finn and Stella. The weather, at high 70s, was perfect for a walk in the park. Sitting on grass field, I thought I saw Rachael, Ross, Phoebe, Chandler, and Monica walked by me. That’s the illusion that I hope can be realistic.

Day 2. Night. At Village Vanguard
For countless times, I have listened to “Sunday at Village Vanguard” by Bill Evans (recorded on June 25, 1961). 44 years later (June 23, 2005), I was sitting in the Village Vanguard, sipping a glass of Grey Goose Martini and calmly waiting for the live jazz lead by Don Bryon. It is almost like a ritual for jazz fans to visit this basement jazz club at least once in a lifetime for its prestigious stage that played by many legendary jazz artists. I closed my eyes and imagined Bill Evans Trio playing here: It is nothing like the murky underground jazz club that I envisioned. I smelled fragrance on the air, just like Bill Evans’s jazz; light and soothing. Audiences were sipping their drink; some uttered in astonishment how beautiful the music was, and some just deeply delighted. The background noise complements the jazz in a way you won’t find in any recording album. It’s just amazing.

When I open my eyes, Don Bryon and the band were taking the stage. Almost a quarter of the audiences were Japanese. They seemed lost when the band is still preparing. Apparently, they know little to none English. Only one tour guide assisting them to order drinks and to translate. When the band starts grooving, those Japanese audiences just sat back and enjoy. They smiled and nodded their satisfaction. They applauded like anyone else. Jazz is borderless and universal. Language barrier won’t be an issue in the world of jazz, unlike human communication. While jazz music filling this tiny basement jazz club, I was hoping I could find Haruki Murakami in that sea of Japanese audience. Of course, I didn’t have the luck. But I am satisfied with a summer night of jazz at Village Vanguard.



Day 3. SoHo
In my mind, SoHo is an acronym for Small Office/Home Office. Of course, this is not what it means in New York City. SoHo is an abbreviation for “South of Houston Street,” and also a common ground for alternative fashion, art and food. Regardless how you define the name, SoHo has its own unique identity that is not found in any other parts of New York City (or in the world). Walking along the street, I found it has a strong accent of unconventional artistic style and a lively rich culture. Its magnificent super-brand label store front, century old cobblestone road, independent artists vending on the roadside and its simply elegant architectures amazed me. Although there are many famous designer brands, I still like the T-shirt I picked up from a local designer that printed “I KINDA LOVE NY”.

Day 3. Night. Dave Brubeck Quartet. At Carnegie Hall
84 years old Dave Brubeck is probably the oldest living jazz legends who is still touring. Dave Brubeck Quartet with Randy Jones, Bobby Militello, and Michael Moore, is definitely a highlight for this JVC Jazz Festival. When they play the super hit, “Take Five,” all the audience were delighted. I have heard many jazz bands played this tune; they are nothing like with Dave Brubeck’s piano. After all, he was the original pianist in the quartet who made this tune famous (or this tune made him famous). The band knew how marvelous they played and politely accepted the standing ovation from the audience. The performance was then followed by John Pizzarelli Quartet. I was pleasantly surprised by his Bosa Nova typed of light voice and his guitar. His music is exactly one would need to chill down for a steamy summer night.

Day 3. Night. Times Square
Traffic congestion is almost unbearable at the Times Square. The skies above the Time Square painted with neon light and commercial big screen, just like roses in the garden competing for attentions. Times Square has been a metaphor for restless entertainment. Or, perhaps it might be better off described as timeless square. Standing in the middle of Times Square, time became an irrelevant term; 24 hours live news feed onto big screen display, 24 hours pizza delivery, 24 hours launderette, 24 hours convenience store. Light breeze filled with carbon monoxide didn’t ease the 95˚F heat wave. I desperately needed a glass of margarita to cool down. I found a TGI Friday and immediately found what I want. Sipping margarita-on-the-rock on the second floor, which overlooks an island of traffic and neon light, was unforgettable. I felt I was in the wonderland.

Day 4. Shopping Spree
A day I spent in a factory outlet mall. New York State’s 8.7% sales tax is really hard to swallow.


Day 5. Rainbow above the city
A rainbow shone through the sky of Manhattan. It celebrated love with no prejudice and no discrimination. It was the Pride Week’s parade. Gay people not only know how to throw a party, they definitely know how to live their life to the fullest. The parade is way more fun to watch than the same-o marching band Independence Day parade.