Brubeck time

The evening started out with a nice gathering at Kay's place. Great food and company. As I was talking to Lim Jia and Sophie, the two mentioned they had to leave for a concert. When I heard it was Dave Brubeck's concert, I near jumped out of my seat. I knew about his visit, but I didn't think I'd go since I hadn't bothered to ask around if anyone else was keen to go. I was reluctant to tag along since I might not get a last-minute ticket, but Lim Jia assured me that I'd have no trouble. Plus she had an extra ticket which might not be used at all. I felt bad for jumping ship but I couldn't give Dave Brubeck a miss now.

The three of us left at five minutes to eight, with me holding a plate of my half-finished food. We got to Hill Auditorium as the first song was starting up. Lim Jia and I dashed in (after I'd finished and disposed of my plate of food), and from the first notes that reached my ear, I knew I'd made the right decision. You just don't get live jazz like this very often, if at all.

Four white-haired men playing like they were in their twenties. When Dave Brubeck began speaking, the age showed in his voice. But it didn't matter, his hands moved incredibly on the keyboard. His drummer, Randy Jones, probably has arms stronger than men far younger than himself. His percussions displays went on and on; just when you think he was done, he'd start another round of whipping those sticks like weapons. Bassist Michael Moore was stylish as he plucked and bowed his instrument. Bobby Militello played both saxaphone and flute, and did really amazing things with the flute. For a Japanese-inspired Bebop piece, he created a sound very similar to one made by a Japanese kind of flute (the name eludes me). Eventually he got to humming while he played the flute. He was singing into the instrument, and the force of his singing kept the flute going, so he was actually harmonizing with the notes he played on the flute. I'm not sure if I'm explaining it clearly enough. His fingers would be creating one tune and his voice another.

One piece titled, Elegy, was dedicated to a friend of Dave's who was in the audience that night. An army buddy whose picture is in the album notes (or maybe the cover itself?). Caught behind German lines in World War 2, they contemplated their fates. His friend, John, told him all the awful things that would happen if Dave didn't remember the password. Well, they're both still here today. I'm not sure how many people in the audience wondered at the miracle that Dave never got the shakes from the horror of war; that his ability to play the piano was never taken from him.

Another piece that I remember rather well - London Flat, London Sharp. Recently the band had to play in the UK for some time, and when they finally thought the tour would end, Dave was told that he'd have 15 more one-nighters. The first involved a 7 and 1/2 hour bus ride. After that he was put in a flat and driven two hours to the venue each night where he'd play for two hours and then be driven back to the flat. He was better off on the bus. So in the piece, his left hand goes down chromatically, and the right hand goes up in sharps. Pretty cool stuff.

Blue Rondo A La Turk was the last piece. The crowd favorite, of course. They must be awfully tired of playing it so many times in so many years. But nice improvisations certainly spice things up each time.

Dave Brubeck first played at the "Hill" 50 years ago. Looking around him, he commented how wonderful it now looks, and added that he hopes he'll make it back again. There was something really poignant about that statment. This guy has seen a lot in life. (He's 84.) And he spoke so slowly and looked so fragile as he walked that I wanted to say, you need to retire and enjoy some time off, Dave. But then, it occured to me that he's already enjoying himself, performing exuberantly for an enthusiastic audience and re-visiting old haunts. He really meant it when he said he wanted to return, and everyone in the audience wanted him to.

The night ended with two encores. One was a tune recorded here 50 years ago. The second was a lullaby - the popular traditional "Go to sleep..." - and the drummer was beginning to nod off. He didn't even finish the last beat. They all shrugged off the music towards the end, stood up, grinned, and left the stage. It was bedtime for everyone. What a way to go.

Posted by Monoceros at October 2, 2004 11:46 PM