Jazz Virtuosos Terence Blanchard and Anthony Davis Return to Their Roots in Weekend Concerts

Terence Blanchard and Anthony Davis, who recently made history by presenting operas at the Metropolitan Opera, showcased their earlier jazz compositions in New York this past weekend. These concerts were a reminder of their deep roots in jazz, predating their operatic achievements.

Terence Blanchard's Musical Journey

On Friday at Jazz at Lincoln Center, Blanchard took the audience on a retrospective ride through his career. He recounted his time with Art Blakey and also performed some of the music he composed for Spike Lee's films. This was part of a two-day event, tracing his growth from a jazz instrumentalist to a full-scale opera composer.

Anthony Davis Still Sizzles in Chamber Music

The following day, the spotlight turned to Anthony Davis at NYU Skirball, where his exhilarating chamber compositions were rejuvenated by the International Contemporary Ensemble. Davis himself graced the stage, exhibiting his mastery on the piano with an electrifying solo performance.

While Blanchard and Davis have both found new audiences through their operas at the Met, their offerings at these jazz concerts were a testament to the breadth of their musical talents. Beyond their operatic successes, they have rich legacies within jazz that continue to resonate with fans and newcomers alike.

Jazz, Opera, Performance