It would be no stretch of the imagination to consider Woody Allen one of the greatest comedy film directors of the 20th century. Since his first major movie production, 1965’s “What’s New Pussycat,” Allen has earned a reputation for cerebral, self deprecating humor. His films, such as “Bananas” and “Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Sex (But Were Afraid to Ask),” were full of one-liners and visual gags, but by the time of 1977’s “Annie Hall,” a more somber, drier wit had taken hold. Winning that year’s Academy Award for Best Director as well as for Best Screenplay, it’s the image of Allen that emerged during this time that remains in place today. Considered quiet, introspective, shy and reclusive, it has therefore come as a surprise to many to find out that Allen is also an accomplished jazz musician.
On Dec. 19, San Diego music fans will get to experience a different side of the comedian when Woody Allen and his New Orleans Jazz Band will make a rare local appearance at Copley Symphony Hall. A strictly musical evening, Allen and his crew will perform early 20th-century music, as they do every Monday night at New York City’s Café Carlyle. The music on hand is truly old school, with a set list full of evergreens such as "St. Louis Blues" and "By the Light of the Silvery Moon,” but all reports indicate that the band plays with an infectious energy. While to a large extent the band is merely a hobby for its leader, the band are all top players and now have two albums to their credit, 1993’s “Bunk” and the soundtrack to a documentary on Allen’s musical side, “Wild Man Blues.”
A clarinet player since his youth, Allen “” real name Allan Stewart Konigsberg – is such a music buff that he even took his adopted first name from legendary band leader Woody Herman. While rarely seen on camera today, Allen is no stranger to performing before a live audience, having risen through the ranks of nightclub comedians and making an impact on television as a writer. A truly multifaceted performer, he provided material for “The Ed Sullivan Show” and “Candid Camera” among others. Before the ’60s were over, he could add “successful Broadway playwright” and “hit recording artist” (for his comedy album recordings) to his resume.
Throughout his career, jazz has held a special place in Allen’s heart. It’s regularly featured on his film soundtracks, and he even performs with the Preservation Jazz Hall band on the music used in the film “Sleeper.” As a live performer, however, he takes a much more reserved approach. To date, his band has performed one European tour, in 1996, but despite regular New York club gigs since the late ’60s, this month’s show is part of his first U.S. tour.
While Allen considers his playing a hobby, his passion for the music has helped keep the genre of traditional jazz and swing alive. Exposing new generations to the tunes of yesteryear through his movies, in addition to the soundtrack albums themselves, there are now numerous compilations of his film music, each reflecting his influences. Novices are directed to the album “Woody’s Winner’s” for the best cross-section of music, but all are appealing.
As the years roll on and we lose more of the founders of our pop culture, shows like this are an excellent way to spend a few minutes with an American icon. While the context for Allen’s concert itself will be a departure for most fans of Allen’s work, the chance to catch a performance of an artist of this stature should not be missed.
Woody Allen performs Dec. 19 at Copley Symphony Hall, 750 B St. For tickets, visit www.ticketmaster.com.