Good morning everyone,
Well we tried something unique and different and boy was it worth it. Motoshi Kosako, classical and jazz harpist extraordinaire came to town with his quartet of Bill Douglass on bass and bamboo flute, Daryl Van Druff on drums and Joe Berry on sax. A humble and very talented musician, he took us to a place where we did not know that jazz could go. Who would have thought that great improvisational sounds would come from a harp.But I am here to tell you that it does. The evening was filled with mix of originals written by Motoshi.The influences and inpiration for each were varied and widespread. They ranged from gospel inspired ( On The Way Home) to funk ( Babbling of Drunkard) to tender tributes to his wife (Waltz For Terra). As he said himself, music on a harp can be kind of mellow, but once Joe Berry stepped up on the stage things got a little funkier and they swung in a big way. Darlene Tellis, a local vocalist who has sung at the Thursday evening jazz, joined them for Summertime.
He saved the absolute best for last which turned out to be my favorite of the evening. It was a suite titled Place In The Heart. This had different movements, as suites do, first a straight tempo, then later breaking out into a very subtle latin beat. The amazing thing to watch though was that during the last "movement" Motoshi strummed the strings with his right hand like a guitar, while picking out a beautiful melody with his left. It was fascinating to watch him play. One doesn't usually get to see a harp being played up close. Normally it is far away up on a stage in a concert hall
At one point Motoshi stepped out of his performer mode and went into teaching mode, explaining how a harp works and the fact that most of the time it is played in a fashion that reflects all of the white keys on the piano, but once he starts using the pedals (which I did know they had until Sunday night) then the black keys are introduced and it takes on a whole other realm which can encompass jazz. He said that there are not many who want to tackle jazz on a harp because it is very difficult and a different mind set than playing it classically. Aren't we very lucky that he decided to step to the challenge. He will definitely be back and when he does, his is a show that you don't want to miss.
His show like all of the shows in the Sunday evening jazz series are ones not to miss. We have strived to bring the very best in local and regional mainstream improvisational jazz and we invite you to join us every Sunday. JB's has become our local gathering place to make friends with other jazz fans, have a nice dinner, a drink, and listen to America's big contribution to the musical world. Something that has come to be known as America's Art Form - Jazz.
This week the Ron Davis Big Band makes their annual Christmas trek to JB's Lounge. Show time is 5-8pm and the price is $8/$5 kids ten and under. JB's is located inside the Red Lion Hotel, 1401 Arden Way. You can call 916 723-5517 and press 3 or email me at vtlee54@hotmail.com or vtlee54@gmail.com for reservations.
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