I am a rather recent convert to the magic and music of Keith…stumbled upon the Vienna concert about 5 years ago and became an addict! I have acquired most of the back catalogue of his performances and I have attended the last 2 Carnegie concerts, which required driving 8 hours from Toronto in winter (both times). 

In 2009, I was frustrated by the diva attitude (18 curtain calls to elicit 6 encores).  I really enjoy attending concerts where the artist(s) react to the adulation of the listeners by staying in the groove and keeping the music flowing.  Somehow, the vast majority of performing jazz musicians can do this, as did Keith in his earlier years.

In 2011, I included my 3 teenage children and wife in the trip, hoping for a memorable experience. Again, the sometimes wonderful performance was marred by the terrible interaction between Keith and the audience.    I think Keith unfairly penalizes the vast majority of the attentive, non coughing, non recording, $100 ticket paying audience so that he can deal with the few rude members who arrive late, cough loudly, don't respect the no photo/recording requests etc.  This frustrates me!

I am a huge supporter of live jazz and enjoy the singular, exceptional perfomances that arise from time to time. I think I will sit out this concert and spend the money on a Keith CD that I can listen to repeatedly and in some local clubs.  For a counterpoint example of audience interaction, check out any live, improvised performance by Gabriela Montero.