Warm gestures of greeting, grins of welcome. All were present as the community of Bennington— both the college and the town community— gathered in Deane Carriage Barn on the night of March 1st. Students lined the edges, eagerly whispering to one another, as the remainder of the crowd filled the center. The buzz of excitement and chatter, the shuffling of coats and bags, arrangement of belongings: all ceased as the soloist, Jason Moran, took his seat.
The boldness in which he struck the keys immediately enraptured the crowd. Moran expertly intertwined his digital musical compositions within his solo. Deane Carriage Barn allowed for the soul of his various pieces to be carried to each audience member. Each piece took various turns, ranging in emotion and tone. Some began strong, before melting into the gentlest of melodies.
The concert was held in memoriam of the beloved jazz drummer: Milford Graves. A celebration of both his well-lived life as well as his hard work and dedication as a Bennington professor. This was in collaboration with Usdan Gallery, which is currently holding a nationally toured exhibition through April 27 to honor Graves. It is titled Milford Graves: A Mind-Body Deal, and is mentioned and recommended by Moran in the intervals between his pieces.
Jason Moran describes his relationship with Graves within these intervals, handing out various praises and affections for his friend. He details the majority of their interactions as being virtual, due to the pandemic, during which they would “trade energies.” However, Moran did have the opportunity to perform a concert with Graves. It was the only time they were able to play together. He describes Graves’ setup as something he had never seen before. The setup, to Graves, was “everything.” There was no backing to his drums, as he yearned for the sound to go directly out: into the ground, into the audience. Moran recalls this setup, saying that he was “intimidated” by what he saw. Nothing could have prepared him for the raw power that existed within Graves’ work, exemplified by his setup.
Moran recounts Graves during an interview, during which the interviewer questioned him about silence. His response? “Silence?! Silence is death!” Graves’ statements, setup, and music all come together to create his formidable reputation as a musician.
Moran details to the crowd the importance of the heart within Graves’ work. Through his brilliance, he was able to use the rhythm and sounds of people’s hearts and animate them into melodies. Moran describes the “library of heartbeats” from those who visit Graves, of which he was fortunate enough to be in. Though Moran was never able to hear what Graves made out of his heartbeat, it was an unforgettable experience nonetheless. Moran utilizes a melody from someone’s heart in his following piece to commemorate the legacy of Graves’ work and utter creativity.
Jason Moran does an incredible job of showcasing his work, as well as allowing the community to come together to honor Milford Graves. The concert was unforgettable, and far from traditional. Every moment, whether Moran was playing or recounting his time with Graves, was captivating. It was, truly, a wonderful way in which to kick-off the Deane Carriage Barn series.
Be First to Comment