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Day one done

Right at 9.39pm on Thursday night, following an introduction by specialised critic Diego Fischerman, Fred Hersch hit the stage alongside two greats, Matt Penman (double bass) and Nasheet Waits (drums), to the respectful applause of a full house at Teatro Presidente Alvear. What happened immediately afterwards will go down in the annals of history as one of the highlights of this incipient Buenos Aires Jazz.09: a solid, subtle performance of works of their own and of such big names as Ornette Coleman and Miles Davis, by gifted musicians who work together in perfect sync.

The “formal” opening night of the Festival had begun with the brief yet intense concert by Hernán Merlo XL9tet, which was greeted rapturously. Yet earlier, in the afternoon at the same venue, Hersch had displayed another of his skills: that of being an eminent and patient guide to fellow musicians in the playing of piano. It was a jazz-packed day, marked by the presence of such a giant as this New York pianist whose first visit to Buenos Aires has already left an imprint on the audience and the local jazz scene.