There is a moment at the Musicians Institute Saturday night when all is stillness. Guitarist Jim Hall has just announced the next tune, “All The Things You Are.” The near capacity house is riveted as Hall plucks the first few chords, his left hand working up and down the frets like a painter dabbing oils on a canvas, the slightest touch altering mood and perception. The only sound other than the near acoustic resonance of Hall’s strumming is the whir of the fans above. The chords start from a near whisper, building into the recognizable Jerome Kern theme, then Hall is joined by his superb quartet, first bassist Steve Laspina countering Hall’s melody and then drummer Joey Baron artfully painting a rhythm on brushes. Finally Greg Osby steps in on alto sax, bobbing and weaving around the main theme, grabbing the audience’s attention and then retreating as Hall’s eloquent patter morphs back into the lead voice.
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