The artistic anomaly that is Amarillo is shown clearly by the twin staging, within one week, of a rarely-heard ensemble: piano and saxophone. Both concerts deserve review. The last publication of Keep Amarillo Artsy focussed on the environmentally-themed artistry of WTAMU professors of music, Dr. Sarah Rushing, piano and Dr. James Barger, saxophone.
The emphasis of the other concert, considered here, was totally different, as shown by its title, Classic Hymns and Pop Rock.
Played to a pack house, this production was part of the Piano Concert Series, sponsored by the Art Force. This organization, founded in 1985 to support students and faculty in the Fine Arts and Humanities at Amarillo College, subsidizing generous scholarships in the performing arts and offers a variety of programs to the general public throughout the year.
This event was as unique as was memorable. When asked about the genesis for this duet, Dr. Lin revealed that it grew out of his own spirituality and belief in the efficacy of prayer. However, Dr. Laughlin admitted that he was initially incredulous when asked about teaming with Bruce for this unusual concert. Spiritual works have existed for the piano for centuries, but spiritual sax? Certainly the sax isn’t the insturment of choice for spiritual uplift, but you just had to be there!
One of the works in the spiritual section was an arrangement by Brant Adams combining Where He Leads Me/He Leadeth Me. Anyone whose imprinting was in mid twentieth century Fundamentalism knows each of these hymns.
The saxophone opened the melody line which itmaintained in a lyrical, reverential vein throughout, the piano acting as accompaniment. About 1:00 the sax transitioned to allow the piano to take the theme in He Leadeth Me. The sax then picked up the lead in a comforting manner, conforming to the assurance of the words.
Around 2:00 the piano took control, sliding into a different key, to thiwch the sax offered a happy, joyful rejoinder. At 2:40 the piano reasserts itself, playing the theme with confidence. Around 3:00 the score reprises the conclusion of Where He Leads Me I Will Follow.
The conclusion embraces the sweet sound of He Leadeth Me, but instead of ending in a descending pattern, the sax soars heavenward.
This arrangement, the artists and their instruments honored the noble spiritual themes of this work.
A variety of works were performed during the “Pop Rock” segment, includding “The Pink Panther” by Henry Mancini, along with cartoons of the canny cat and the bumbling inspector Clousseau.
One work that stood out was “Tiger Rag” by Nick LaRocca, founder of the Original Dicieland Jazz Band but whose later reputation was clouded by his vehement assertion that he was the sole founder of American Jazz.
Prior to playing this work, Jim told the story about a chance distant meeting with Hugo Loewenstern, local musical legend, who had played with the Dorsey Brothers and Harry James. Amarillo art has a far reach!
Regardless, after nearly a century, “Tiger Rag” still bounces!
The piano opens with the memorable triad synonymous wwith “Hold That Tiger!” The sax answers in playful arpeggiations through which a secondary melody line is elaborated. About 0:45 a second theme is introduced, which carries through about the minute mark wne “Hold That Tiger” begins speaking, embellished by elaborate runs on the sax.
About 2:00 those runs go to a different level, which is matained until the end when the piano announces the conclusion with the triad. As for meandering from the theme, well, this is jazz and this is what jazz does!
Give these artist a few years and a few gray hairs and they could star at Preservation Hall in the French Quarter!
The prolonged applause from the packed house testified to the reception. A big thanks go to the artists who shared their immense musical talent with a wider audience. And no one in attendance will every discount the quality of music that emerges from a piano/saxophone duet.
For this art, and all of the extraordinary art in this area, we assert:
Keep Amarillo Artsy!
Keep Austin Weird!
Keep Lubbock in the Rear View Mirror!
Keep Amarillo Artsy 