E sempre a Londra sono in programma al Ronnie Scott's due imperdibili serate con il ritorno del Rossini Re-Loaded proposto da Mike Westbrook con Kate e la Uncommon Orchestra, qui in formazione solo leggermente diversa da quella che ha trionfato lo scorso ottobre a Lugo, in Romagna, nella splendida cornice del Teatro Rossini ahimè devastato dall'alluvione di poche settimane fa. Domani e dopodomani, con inizio alle ore 19.30.
Rarely has a ‘classical author’ proved so effectively open to the reinterpretation by a ‘jazz visionary’ - the variety and freshness of Rossini's original works disclosing unexpected glimpses, evoking exotic colours, describing suspended atmospheres, inviting irresistible crescendos and vigorous full orchestra. One finds hints of the expressive freedom of the Sixties in the deliberately ‘dirty’ sound that Westbrook creates in his brilliant arrangements, as well as the vigorous and unrestrained groove of the street bands. He even succeeds in reinforcing the already superb original work, highlighting the changes that intervened in the 200 years that separate the two composers - tenderness, melancholy and ardour as painted anew and afresh again. Changes in rhythm and atmosphere segue overwhelmingly from piece to piece, recreating the astonishment that Rossini’s works - soon to become part of humanity’s common heritage - must have caused at the time of their first public performances.
Westbrook’s concerts are now rare and all the more precious, due in part to the advanced age and also to the exacting care required for musical setups of such complexity: they’re quite a challenge too for his loyal musicians in the Orchestra, who nevertheless - as with Gil Evans’ orchestra players - are ready and willing to withdraw any other commitment they may have in order to play on these occasions. Surely none of them would want to miss the opportunity - and the pleasure - of playing some of the most exciting music of the century.