Last night my wife and I went to see and hear something called, “Bebop & Brazil.” The young man who serves as the organist for us on Sundays produced it. He is a student at Oberlin College where he is studying organ. For this event, he sat at the piano and was joined by several of his Oberlin classmates to fire up the Jazz Machine. They played mostly Latin Jazz. Their rendition of Jobim’s “Girl from Ipanema” was spot on. The young woman who sang brought the life of Astrud Gilberto to the lyric. I was duly impressed by the skill of these musicians who are studying at Oberlin’s Conservatory. Some are studying Jazz. While others, like our own Walker Whitehouse, studies the more classical genres. The guitar player was like Dire Strait’s “Guitar George.” He knew all the chords. I was impressed with his chord phrasing and the big smile on his face. The drummer had chops. Some of the Brazilian rhythms he played were complex. Yet, he nailed them with a confidence that belied his age and experience. He and the bass player held the band together as any good rhythm section must do. While their lack of experience was evident, their commitment to their art and to the music itself was inspiring.
All I can say about the event was that it was the most fun that I’ve had in a very, very long time. The energy that these young musicians had was contagious. Their joy at being able to make music together filled the room. I was a foot tappin’, wide grinnin’ old guy.
I remember when I was their age. I had the same joy and energy that these folks had. There is something about new discoveries that accompany playing live for an audience that touches the soul. These young artists are discovering that. I could see it on their faces. I could hear it in the back and forth between the drums and the bass. The dynamics of live performance lift the spirit and brings a moment when there is nothing but you, the music, and the audience. I do truly miss that. But, I’m so grateful to these musicians for their offering. And, I am truly happy that they will continue to grow and experience the joy of art and performance.
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