An Unforgettable Night with Jeremy Pelt Quintet at The CD Club
Jeremy Pelt Quintet: Jazz Royalty in Action
We had the privilege of experiencing an incredible concert at The CD Club, a hidden gem perched high on the 6th floor of Cankarjev Dom, Slovenia’s premier cultural and congress center. With its panoramic windows offering breathtaking views of the city rooftops, this venue is nothing short of spectacular.
The night was made even more unforgettable by the phenomenal performance of the Jeremy Pelt Quintet, featuring the extraordinary talents of Jalen Baker on vibraphone, Misha Mendelenko on guitar, Leighton Harrell on double bass, and Jared Spears on drums. The energy in the room was electric, and the musicianship was nothing short of masterful.
Jeremy Pelt: A Living Legend
Jeremy Pelt, a trumpeter of unparalleled skill and pedigree, has an impressive resume that includes stints with Mingus Big Band and performances with ensembles like the Duke Ellington Big Band. He has shared the stage with jazz giants such as Ravi Coltrane, Jimmy Heath, Vincent Herring, Charlie Persip, Ralph Peterson, and Cedar Walton. Critics have even compared his long-standing quintet to Miles Davis’ legendary second quintet—a testament to Pelt’s artistry and vision.
A Bandleader Like No Other
What truly stood out from the very beginning was how Jeremy Pelt led the band with such grace and humility. He gave each musician the space to shine, stepping back at times to listen and observe the interplay of his band members—two of whom are his students at William Paterson University in New Jersey. It was awe-inspiring to witness such a legendary artist elevate his bandmates with respect and trust.
Standout Performances
- Jalen Baker on the vibraphone was nothing short of mesmerizing. The way he wove intricate melodies into the fabric of the music was pure magic. He stood out as a soloist. Watching him command the vibraphone was like witnessing a master painter at work—every stroke (or in this case, every mallet strike) was deliberate, adding depth and color to the musical canvas.
- Misha Mendelenko, one of Pelt’s students, showcased his technical prowess, seamlessly transitioning between clean jazz solos and fiery fusion-style riffs.
- Leighton Harrell laid down a solid foundation with his bass playing, while Jared Spears kept the rhythm tight and dynamic on the drums.
A Setlist That Captivated
The setlist featured mostly songs from Jeremy Pelt’s latest album, Woven, recorded with the same band. They kicked off with Labyrinth, followed by Afrofuturism, the beautiful ballad Michelle, and 13/14 which was different because Pelt only played a solo and let the band members play the theme. They included a Medley of jazz ballads, which Pelt started solo, playing off the microphone directly in the Club, which added depth to the performance.
For the encore, they performed the song Rhapsody, also from Woven, using a guitar loop to replace the vocal track from the recording. The crowd loved the energy and enthusiasm of the young band members, and Pelt’s connection with the audience was undeniable.
An Unforgettable Experience
The combination of world-class jazz, the stunning venue, and the vibrant atmosphere made for an unforgettable experience. If you’re looking for a space that blends artistry, sophistication, and a touch of magic, The CD Club is the place to be.
Stay tuned for more updates from The Concert Witness as we continue to explore the best live jazz experiences around the world!
