Submitted by Al Kanovsky 01/29/14
...this guy was in the 2d grade.
One of the things they taught was Music Appreciation. "Liebestraum", Lizst and
Chopin. Spring nights, his sisters, in the guise of baby-sitting bundled him up,
threw him in the rumble seat of a Chevy and took him to music appreciation at
the Glen Island Casino---Goodman, Dorsey, Basie, Herman and that's the music I
came to really appreciate. Last night at UM my love of music was reinforced with
a performance by the Miami Saxophone Quartet. Gary Keller (flute/soprano
sax/clarinet), Gary Lindsay (alto sax/clarinet) Dr. Ed Calle (tenor sax) and Mike
Brignola (baritone/bass sax) make up the horn section --- as Gary K. said "Who
needs trumpets and trombones?" The rhythm section has Jim 'the genius' Gasior
on piano, the incomparable Chuck Bergeron and "Sticks" John Yarling at the trap
set. They had guests, Sam Pilafian (tuba) joined in on a couple. Rene Luis
Toledo (flamenco guitar), Tany Gil (congas/castanets) and Raymer
Olalde (cajon/bongos/timbales) joined in on Dr. Calles composition "Iberian
Suite". The quartet(sans rhythm section) opened the program with "America, the Beautiful." It was
arranged by Gary Lindsay and first played a few weeks after 9/11. It is a moving
piece and was played with emotion. They followed with a Gary Lindsay
composition, "Intoxicated Rag", with Sam joining in on tuba. At one point of
the tune, there was a unison of bari sax and tuba --- very interesting. Next
another Gary L. original, titled "Pilgrimage". It was a piece commissioned by an
upstate N.Y. High School. "Pilgrimage" is written in 3 movements. Each of which
presented more complex melodic and rhythmic lines. I found it difficult to
identify the time signature but I finally settled on 3/4----maybe. The rhythm
section joins the "Quartet" for Dr. Calle's "Dancing On A Cloud". It swings. I'm
back in that rumble seat in the parking lot of the Glen Island Casino. I must
say, I marvel at the talent on the stage. They play, they teach, they compose,
they arrange. I know how to spell my name! Another Lindsay tune, in 2 movements,
"Lost(and Found). Gary K. was right. These 7 musicians project the sound of a 16
piece 'big band'. Mr. Bergeron really delivered with his solo portion. The saxes
take a break, leaving Jim, Chuck and John on stage to do a Jim (the genius) tune
"The Foster Rag". This ain't no 1900 rag-time. This is here and now. Recognizing
the past but seeing the future. Jim and Chuck trade 8s with John to bring it to
a rousing finish. I am seated alongside Jim's wife Peggy. I ask her how
difficult it is to be married
to a genius. Her reply was memorable. "It is difficult. It's called LOVE". Every
man should be fortunate enough to be married to a woman who would make that kind
of statement. Seated on my other side was Jeannette Pina. Her ex-husband was a
trumpet player --- enough said. Sam returns for a Gary L. arrangement of "I'm All
Smiles". The arrangement goes from waltz to swing and back. Mike is now playing
bass sax and the blend of tuba/bass makes for very enjoyable listening. Dr.
Calles "Iberian Suite" is next on the play list. Messrs. Olalde, Gil and Toledo
join the band. Rene plays a flamenco guitar intro to a salsa tinged first
movement "Midnight Rhumba". Raymer is playing the 'cajon'. I am always amazed at
the sounds you can get out of a "box". Clave has a tendency to make you move to
the rhythm. I notice that Gary L. is doing a little shoulder shaking and foot
movement in time. Even during his solo. The 2d movement "Siesta" is 'muy
romantico' and featured flamenco guitar. We are returned to the streets of Spain
with "Pamplona". The stirring sounds that envision the running of the bulls and
the sounds of 'habanera'. This has Tany doing an impressive job on castanets.
Dr. Calle is never lost when the music is inspired by his heritage. Jim 'the
genius' is featured on the next number, "A Child Is Born" written by Thad Jones
and arranged by Gary Lindsay. The quartet now has Ed on Soprano, Gary K. on
flute, Gary L playing clarinet and Mike Brignola on bass sax. The exceptional
talent of these musicians is on full display.
Chucho Valdez composed "Mambo Influenciado" and Gary
Lindsay charted this arrangement. The quartet returns to the original
conformation with Raymer now playing timbales. I realize now, why Gary L. was
shakin' it during "Midnight Rhumba". "Clave" has taken over his 'alma'. A great
performance of talent.
Music Appreciation. That's what it is all about. And that's
how I roll!!!!!
Al's Disclaimer:
A short note: The reason I write this is because I love music and words. I do not book acts. I do not promote acts. I do not accept invitations to review artists. I go to venues of my own choice. When and where is not influenced by anything other than who I would like to hear that night or day. If I don't like what I hear, I won't write about it. When I like it I let you all know. I never mention a name without asking permission. "Pardon me, Miss. Would you like to dance?"
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