Wynton Marsalis brings Louis Armstrong to Philadelphia area

Hanging with 'Louis' star, Anthony Coleman

Question: Who is Louis Armstrong?
Answer:   Wasn’t he the first man to walk on the moon?


That Q&A is from a radio commercial with other questions posed to young people who do not seem to know basic trivia. After last night’s performance, it seems that ‘certain’ folks are still very interested in Louis Armstrong while others are not.


Whenever Wynton Marsalis comes to town I have the honor of VIP access so when I heard he was coming to the Keswick, I made the call. Of the dozen or so times I’ve seen him perform, the formula is always the same...an orchestra or quartet of mostly black performers playing traditional jazz, the music blacks created, in front of a predominately white audience.


Last night was unique though.


“Louis”, a silent movie which could be categorized as a black movie based on the overwhelming number of black actors, was shown with Wynton’s orchestra on stage playing the soundtrack. I used to feel sorry for the folks who had to watch silent movies thinking that the entertainment value was far inferior to the movies of today. Man, was I wrong.


Visually, the only difference between this silent movie and the ones of old was that this one was in full color (with hints of sepia). Otherwise, the music, captions, and lip reading held the story together and the comic elements like the fast motion running were cleverly done. Artistically, the production was overwhelming. The sets, costumes, dance and special effects along with the great timing of the live music made for a unique experience that may never been done again.


The show was sold out but there were only about a dozen black folks in the audience and another dozen or so who were among the cast members and those with special access.


I know that in his early days, Wynton would be upset at the composition of his audiences but he’s older now and realizes that it is what it is. A master musician, composer, band leader and certified poster-boy-keeper of the jazz music tradition, he owes no one anything.


With over 45 albums, Grammys, a Pulitzer, and even statues in foreign cities, his legacy will live on forever.


Click HERE to learn more about LOUIS the movie