Andrew Hill at the Bakery
by jazzcat on Feb.26, 2004, under News
Jazz Master
extraordinaire and he certainly deserves that title. In a solo piano
performance that was cerebrally inspiring. Forget about cats and dogs,
its raining cows! You know the Los Angelinos don’t know how to act in
the rain but, a few managed to make it out to Bakery on Wednesday night
for a stellar performance.
I spotted Andrew in
the Lobby before the show. What a nice man. I got a chance to rap with
him for a few seconds before the show. Just a quick “have a great set”.
With class, he gulped down an espresso and went inside the performance
area to share his love.
One instrument, one man and one big beautiful sound! After he was announced, he walked
out on stage and within a millisecond, music, Andrew Hill music! It
sounded like Carnegie Hall with Andrew playing the notes like drops of
water hitting the ground. It is so quiet in here, other than the
intricate, distinct and lovely sound that paints the room like Monet.
I heard a few Sphere
notes, one of Andrew’s idols, only three though; the rest was all done
in Andrew Hill fashion. The reds and blue lights of the stage cascade
their glistening light on Andrew as he strides, glides and dances on
the white gold!
The sound is rich and
the story is told. It’s like a silent movie, only you hear the music
and the silence is your imagination. I can hear a hot day in Harlem
with the sun kissing down on the back of the neck of a young man to
children playing in the green meadow to the ocean’s shore washing
between your toes. Escapes, adventures and the peacefulness of one
ballerina emerge as the giant gentle plays.
What would your life
be like if you grew up in the apartment next door? Would you be a
writer, a poet, or would you play? Andrew Hill music and your mind can
make all things possible!
He takes a slight
pause and stands for just a moment between pieces before he begins a
new sculpture. Have you ever heard the title track from his album “Life
Every Voice”? It will blow you away! Also check out the classic “Point
of Departure” with Eric Dolphy, Joe Henderson and a number of other
jazz heroes. It was so quiet after Andrew played that the raindrops
acted as the sound of a constant standing ovation. Natures love for the
great one, Andrew Hill!
LD
