This was a just about the perfect afternoon and evening. Brilliant, original music, performed by musicians that love and admire, all for a truly great cause -- Habitat for Humanity of Greater Charlottesville. It happened a couple of weeks ago, and I should have gotten these photos up on the blog long before this. But things have been busy.
In any case, I was lucky enough to be at the sound check and rehearsal with a camera in my hand.
Cyrus Chestnut, Paramount Theater, Charlottesville, 10 October 2013.
Cyrus Chestnut, who I can honestly say is one of my two favorite jazz pianists, was one of the stars of the show. He's also a fine composer. The music he performed (with the University of Virginia's own Free Bridge Quintet) was all from his terrific new CD, Soul Brother Cool, which you can find on both Amazon and iTunes.
Cyrus Chestnut, Paramount Theater, Charlottesville, 10 October 2013.
This sequence of photos tells no lies. The joy that it captures is an essential part of Cyrus' personality.
Cyrus Chestnut, Paramount Theater, Charlottesville, 10 October 2013.
Robert Jospe and Cyrus Chestnut, Paramount Theater, Charlottesville, 10 October 2013.
Cyrus and the Free Bridge Quintet have played together in the past, so this was a musical encounter between old friends. Robert Jospe is the quintet's sometimes explosive, sometimes subtle, always creative drummer.
Pete Spaar and Cyrus Chestnut, Paramount Theater, Charlottesville, 10 October 2013.
The compositions that Cyrus chose for the concert were all new. The amateur musician in me was thrilled to hear the sound come together as the quintet's member got comfortable with music they'd never played before. That's Pete Spaar on bass. I like the way that Pete's playing can sneak up on you and blow you away.
Pete Spaar and Cyrus Chestnut, Paramount Theater, Charlottesville, 10 October 2013.
John D'earth, Paramount Theater, Charlottesville, 10 October 2013.
John D'earth, who plays trumpet in the quintet, is also a composer with an astonishing range. The Kandinsky Trio, the well known classical trio, has just recorded a CD of his music. Gently blending jazz and classical styles, it's simply beautiful. You can listen (and purchase), here.
Jeff Decker, Paramount Theater, Charlottesville, 10 October 2013.
Jeff Decker is a monster reed player, especially on tenor. He combines a big, muscular sound with nuance and grace. I've been a fan for nearly 20 years.
Terri Allard and Cyrus Chestnut, Paramount Theater, Charlottesville, 10 October 2013.
I'd call Terri Allard beloved, but that would make her seem older than she is. But, it's true. Virginia loves her singing, her song-writing, and her heart. Few performers give as much back to the community as she does.
Terri Allard, Cyrus Chestnut, and John D'earth, Paramount Theater, Charlottesville, 10 October 2013.
It's no surprise, then, that Terri was one of the headliners at the concert and that she also wrote an anthem for Habitat. She's rehearsing it with Cyrus, above and below.
Terri Allard, Cyrus Chestnut, and John D'earth, Paramount Theater, Charlottesville, 10 October 2013.
I said that Habitat for Humanity of Greater Charlottesville is a great cause, and I wasn't kidding. They've built an astonishing amount of affordable housing for the poor, in this region, and the pace is only accelerating.
I've been most impressed by what they've done redeveloping trailer courts without displacing any of the residents. You can read about it here: Southwood Mobile Home Park and Sunrise Trailer Court.
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