When jazz is being played at Lena’s, I frequently wonder how Lena Spencer would react. Contrary to popular belief, she has had jazz at her beloved venue when she was still alive. She frequently hosted David Amram and remember Jeremy Steig and Eddie Gomez playing there. Lena would without hesitation have approved this act as it is without drums and the offensive cymbals! Well this performance is a drummerless trio. The combo for this evening is series curator Chuck Lamb -piano, Jay Anderson-bass with wsg Joe Locke on vibes.
Joe is considered one of the leading vibraphonists in the world. We are fortunate to have him visit the area frequently. He tours around the world, but did schedule a performance at A Place For Jazz last fall (https://mirth-films.com/2024/09/20/recap-warren-wolf-joe-locke-quartet-plays-musical-chairs-and-delights-audiences-at-a-place-for-jazz-9-20-2024/). He appeared last at the Caffe 6.5 years ago.
With that being said, the concert felt we were witnessing an evening spent of old friends playing together on a cold winter’s night. In fact we were, but it was onstage.
The opening composition was Chuck’s “Dark Ages” written during a dark period of Chuck’s life. It was written with Joe Locke’s vibes in mind. Starting primarily as a blues. Jay Anderson’s bass providing the steady propulsion of the tune, Joe provided the initial statements with Chucl digging further in.
“Falling Grace” is bassist Steve Swallow’s composition that became standard repetoire for Vibraphonist Gary Burton. Chuck played a beautiful intricate intro, the performance then quickly became a group romp exploring the chords and changes.
“This New October”is a Joe Locke composition. He said it was inspired by a beautiful autumn day. The whiff of fresh air from waking up on such a day was heard .
“After Hours On Phila Street” was inspired by the blissful after gig feeling Chuck experiences after a gig at Lena’s.
Thelonius Monk’s Misterioso closed the first set. That familiar almost toylike progression quickly progressed into a more traditional blues progression before repeating the main theme.
Sesame Street entered the repetoire at Joe’s choice. The joyous “Sing A Song” was played with joy and abandon as one could picture the Muppets .
Dave Brubeck’s “Long Away & Far Away” swung much like the original. Chuck has suggested this tune while on tour with the Brubeck Brothers as a tribute to their dad. He quipped that they later told him Dave seldom played this tune on tour.
“Pale Blue Dot” was inspired by the photograph taken of the Earth by Voyager 1 six billion miles away and how it shows how insignificant we are compared to the vastness of the universe.
The performance was capped by what could be called Paul Winter’s theme song “Icarus”. Paul appeared with Chuck Lamb 4 months ago at Lena’s and just last month with his own band at Troy Music Hall.
To answer the original question, Lena would have been pleased with tonight’s performance. The music was full of melody and there was no crescendo of drums.
Under the curation of Joel Moss and Chuck Lamb, the series will continue as follows:
February-John Fedchock-trombone
March- Cliff Lyons-alto saxophone
April- Wallace Roney Jr.-trumpet
May- Camille Thurman- alto saxophone, vocals
June-tba
Setlist:
Set 1: Dark Ages, Falling Grace ,This New October, After Hours On Phila Street, Misterioso
Set 2: Sing A Song, Long Ago & Far Away, Little Blue Dot, Icarus
Gallery:
