Where Jazz and Contemporary Music Intersect
The Harris Theater presented The U of C’s Contempo ensemble and
a Jazz Duo on Saturday, January 16th.
Shulamit Ran introduced the program to the audience as she usually does.
The first part of this program was a “Rands sandwich”, with the main work by
Bernard Rands preceded by a work from Shawn Brogan Allison and followed
by a work from Yu-Hui Chang. All three composers were in attendance and took
their bows. Musicians from eighth blackbird constituted the backbone of the
team, with others brought in as required.
Towards the Flame (2009) – Shawn Brogan Allison (b. 1976)
This work for violin, flute, cello and percussion was a reprise from last season’s
Tomorrow’s Music Today. It was performed well, so let’s move on…
“now again” fragments from Sappho (2006) – Bernard Rands (b. 1934)
There was an enlightening introduction by Bernard. He told us about his
lifelong interest in literature and poetry and how they influenced many
of his compositions, including this one. There is only one known complete
poem by Sappho, but lots of “fragments”. Bernard collected his own
fragments from this broad pallet to musically express in this composition.
The music takes the form a narrative sung by mezzo Suzanne Mentzer
accompanied by the “Greek Chorus” of soprano Amy Conn and alto
Nina Heebink. A very diverse instrumental ensemble provided the
right environment to support the plaintive vocals.
And FYI: Bernard recently completed his first opera, called Vincent,
based on letters by van Gogh. I look forward to the 1st production
(in Amsterdam?).
Bing Delirium (2007) – Yu-Hui Chang (b. 1970)
eighth blackbird’s Matthew Duvall, who performed in everything above,
put the cap on the contemporary half of the concert with this solo
for non-pitched percussion. It got jazz-improv-like at the end, providing
a segue into the 2nd half.
Before the second half, Shulamit felt the need to address the audience
about the theme of this concert, i.e.: how jazz intersects with contemporary
music. She made the point that listeners my be divided as to what type
of music they like, but for musicians, music is music. And it’s not uncommon
to have musicians crossover genres. Not being a jazz fan, I thought I’d
put this proposition to the test.
September Song (1938) – Kurt Weill (1900-1950)
This classic song of melancholy was sung by Mentzer accompanied by
eighth blackbird’s Lisa Kaplan. Near the end, the jazz duo of Chris Potter
and Kenny Werner (sax & piano) moved in and took over the stage to complete
the song.
Chris and Kenny then played four compositions of their own with several
improvised cadenzas (I’m sure jazz aficionados don’t call them that).
I’d say this duo was the idea choice by Shulamit to make her point.
The mood was contemplative and the sax playing would’ve been at home
in any contemporary music setting. In one piece, the pianist did some
piano case and string banging like some contemporary pieces. They
finished with an arrangement of a flute Raga.
But wait… after a standing ov, there was an improvised encore, which
was where they lost me. Not contemplative jazz anymore. Good bye.
–
Bruce Oltman
