As a birthday gift to Zoe, we went to the Hollywood Bowl tonight to see Herbie Hancock perform. It was certainly a night that I was looking forward to. Herbie Hancock would be performing with classical pianist Yang Yang as a fusion of jazz and classical piano. I was wondering how this would turn out and after that fact, I can say it was wonderful! They played backed by the LA Philharmonic and I couldnt have asked for anything better. To add to our evening… Jackie and Emerson came with us! It was a perfect night!

The show opened with the LA Phil playing the Marriage of Figaro, which was wonderful and better then I expected! When Herbie Hancock and Yang Yang came out to perform afterward, it was a wonderful piece that I was fairly unfamiliar with, but it was beautiful. The sounds mixed together were amazing and the blend of classical and jazz piano blended very well! Because this piece was longer then most, intermission followed and then Act Two began.

Act Two was my favorite! The LA Phil opened with Leonard Bernstein’s “Mambo” from West Side Story and there was a bit of audience participation with that! Both Yang Yang and Herbie Hancock had the chance to play a few solo’s as well as a few dueling piano pieces. It was great! They of course closed with one of my facorite’s, Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in Blue”. INCREDIBLE! Unlike anything I have ever heard! There isnt much I can say… you just had to be there. It was an amazing way to close the show.

However, as an encore for those peopls who didnt rush off, Herbie Hancock and Yang Yang brought out a special guest, Josh Groban! How amazing! He was excellent and of course has a beautiful voice live. To finish the night, Herbie Hancock and Yang Yang played a medly of Gershwin Themes!

The night was perfect and even though it took a while to get home due to traffic, fun was had by all! It was great to have the chance to talk, laugh and enjoy each others company.