Webster Groves HS band visits NYC, part 2

Editor's note: As mentioned here earlier, the jazz band from Webster Groves High School is in New York City this week to perform, take part in workshops and master classes, and hear some live music. WGHS jazz band director Kevin Cole is reporting in from the road via email; you can read part one of his report here, and here's part two:

"Good morning from rainy New York. We've had a truly amazing 48-hour span, during which we have not only walked around lower Manhattan and toured Central Park, Riverside, and Harlem, but also witnessed some of the most soulful, proficient playing on the planet.

Saturday night's itinerary took us to the Blue Note, where Kenny Werner, Randy Brecker, David Sanchez, Scott Colley, and Antonio Sanchez were performing songs from Werner's fabulous new album Balloons. Trombonist Michael Dease and saxophonist Sharel Cassity joined our bands in clinic and concert yesterday afternoon, and we were treated again to Dease's astounding work last night at Dizzy's as he joined the legendary Heath Brothers' Quintet. I actually heard multiple students call it "the best night of our lives."

This morning, Jazz at Lincoln Center bassist Carlos Henriquez is conducting a clinic with our younger bands, after which we'll tour Lincoln Center and then the UN. Tonight's gig takes us across the Hudson as we perform at Cecil's in West Orange, NJ with Mike Lee and the Cecil's Big Band. Don't be surprised if we stay in New York for a few more...weeks!"