Swinging Feliz Navidad From Bobby Rodriguez

Call Bobby Rodriguez the Pied Piper of Latin Jazz Christmas. His third annual seasonal show at the Luckman Fine Arts Complex was an enchanting journey through a program of familiar music, delivered in unfamiliar settings. And this Pied Piper, unlike the legendary figure of Hamelin, had nothing but good intentions for the many children he invited onstage to share in the celebration.

In fact, the evening’s most appealing moments were associated with the manner in which young people joined Rodriguez for two of the most perennial of Christmas songs--”Jingle Bells” and “Silent Night.” In the former, done to an exhilarating samba rhythm, he leaped into the auditorium, gathering youngsters on all sides, leading them in a line back to the stage. Holding the various tiny percussion instruments that each had been given, they joined in a collective outburst of rhythm and song.

Before playing a lyrical rendering of “Silent Night” on his fluegelhorn (to the accompaniment of a bolero rhythm), Rodriguez sat in the middle of a circle of fourth graders from a local elementary school.

Asking several what they were going to get their mothers for Christmas, he received some illuminating answers. One child said, “Money. So she can buy me some Pokemon cards.” Another said, “perfume.” And when Rodriguez asked if she knew what brand her mother favored, the little girl replied, “I think it’s Ocean Spray.”

Actress/singer Liz Torres enhanced the program’s lighter side with her skewed version of “The Twelve Days of Christmas,” in which the gifts are returned to her “true love.” Her reading of Rodriguez’s “Magia de Navidad,” however, needed a bit more rehearsal. She more than made up for it, however, via some hilarious banter with Rodriguez about Christmas, marriage, divorce and the alleged benefits (to her) of being Puerto Rican rather than Mexican. Rodriguez had all he could do to get a word in.

*

For all the appeal of the children, the singing and the humor, this was not simply an evening of holiday entertainment. Rodriguez--who changed into no fewer than four outfits--has matured into a highly communicative performer. He knows how to take a dramatic stance when he plays a solo, how to move effectively around the stage, and how to interact with his audience.

But Rodriguez also knows how to play fine jazz trumpet. And, amid all his other responsibilities, he did just that on numerous occasions. By casting his program in Latin rhythms--”Silver Bells” and “Santa Claus Is Coming To Town” as a cha-cha, “Oh! Christmas Tree” and “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” as salsas (complete with dancers from the Ballet Rumba Show”), and “Deck the Halls” as a merengue--he created a framework affording plenty of opportunities to execute fiery runs and high-note excursions.

Equally important, Rodriguez assembled a fine 22-piece ensemble, featuring five percussionists, including his wife, Yvonne DeBourbon-Rodriguez, the superb piano playing of Donald Vega, and first-rate soloing from alto saxophonists Jeff Benedict and Scheila Gonzalez, trombonists Arturo Velasco and Jock Ellis and timbales player Richie Garcia. Performing works arranged by Rodriguez and orchestrated by trumpeter Paul Lopez, the ensemble played with a dynamic collective sound and a surging sense of swing--the perfect setting for Rodriguez’s entertaining blend of Christmas, Latin rhythms and jazz.