Last night was another one-of-a-kind performance at the historic Hollywood Bowl here in Southern California made possible by Herbie Hancock, who put forth the “Celebrates Peace” jazz event, and also serves as the LA Phil Creative Chair for Jazz. The show will certainly go down as one of the brighter spots of the 2012 Summer Concert season. Read on for the setlist and photos…
With most wondering how Carlos Santana would fit into the equation, those questions were solved rather quickly. He played the entire show, walking around the Bowl’s stage like it was his personal playground, guitar lazily hanging from his shoulders, swaying back and forth, rocking his signature hat, signaling to others when to stop and go. A natural leader of the electric guitar if there ever was one. His guitar work during “Spartacus” was vintage Santana and a highlight for me personally. It was basically an all-star jazz support group with Santana’s signature licks weaving in and out all night long.
Under the shell of the Bowl were Herbie Hancock, Marcus Miller, Wayne Shorter, Santana, Cindy Blackman Santana, Zakir Hussain, Dave Holland, Andy Vargas, Kalil Wilson, George Whitty. There was a thirty minute opening set by the Gregoire Maret Quartet, which provided the opportunity for my lady and I to enjoy the best harmonicist in Gregoire Maret we’ll likely ever see.
SETLIST: Celebrating Peace, Hollywood Bowl, Hollywood CA 8/29/12
Ode to Joy, Afro Blue, Intro to Sonrisa > Sonrisa, Dis is Da Drum, Spartacus, Ponta De Areia, 7 Power > They Don’t Really Care About Us, Novus
I managed to grab a few photos from the back press area, where unfortunately we were far from the stage. The lighting in the Hollywood Bowl shell is never a sore sight, even after you’ve been spoiled by lighting director Chris Kuroda for years.
Photo Gallery
Up next on LMB’s radar at the Hollywood Bowl is a night of blues with B.B. King and the Tedeschi Trucks Band on September 5th. Probably don’t want to miss that one if you’re in the area. Tickets are very affordable if you don’t mind sitting farther back.
