Doors 7:45 PM, Music 8:30 PM – 2 set(s) of music
Line-up:
Byron Wallen – Trumpet
Danny Piers – Piano
Kobe Heath Ngugi – Double Bass
Sacha Harlan – Drums
+ Special Guest: Tom Challenger – Saxophone
About
This performance is inspired by and dedicated to the brilliant jazz pianist, composer & Blue Note recording artist Andrew Hill. Byron was a member of Hill’s quintet in the last phase of his career, playing with him until his death in 2007.
“Listening to the music of Andrew Hill is like engaging in a fresh, conversation with a close friend that you have known for a long time but not seen for a while. The historical frames of references are there, the sense of discovery and exploration with the element of surprise. His music like the man resonates on intellectual, emotional and deep spiritual levels.
I first encountered Andrew Hill on his album Point of Departure. I bought it because at the time I was studying Kenny Dorham and he was on that album. I was immediately struck by the voice Andrew had on the piano and the elasticity of his lines. Compositionally his music had fluidity and adventure, I was surprised at how relaxed and different Kenny sounded in this context. When Andrew played behind the other soloist he made the piano sound like an orchestra at once punctuating and prodding but always supporting. Listen to ‘Spectrum’; it has the sophistication of Stravinsky’s ‘rite of spring’ and the twists and twirls of a Thelonius Monk masterpiece. Andrew studied composition with Paul Hindemith and Bill Russo.
Following this I picked up the album ‘Black Fire’ which was another revelation. Each composition is a gem and has an effortlessly timeless feel to it. Andrew’s subject matter is rooted in every day life ‘Subterfuge’ for example represents people talking, saying one thing when they are really meaning something else. The group play this out with a series of sections that merge and intertwine with each other. Andrew was not simply sticking to a formula that worked throughout his career he was continuously exploring and taking risks with his music with different instrumentation, personnel and elements. He is one of those rare individuals who always followed his convictions; in the 60’s he turned down work as a sideman to work on his own individual style and did his own gigs.
His work over the years has a real sense of development. He was named jazz composer of the year four times by the Jazz Journalists Association most recently in 2006, and awarded Denmark’s coveted Jazzpar prize in 2003. His latest CD, “Time Lines,” released in 2006, won the album of the year award from Down Beat magazine but despite the numerous accolades and his familiarity to serious jazz fans, Hill’s music has never crossed over to the larger popular music audience. But he refused to be positioned in the bohemian status favoured by some artists, working instead as an educator, interacting with young people, probing the outer limits of his own inventiveness during the periods in which his presence in the jazz market waned.
In 2007 it was still the same with his New Quintet featuring Byron Wallen on trumpet, Jason Yarde on saxophones, John Hebert on bass and Eric McPherson on drums. No matter what pieces we played he would always launch the music into new territories, different each night and allowed space to develop around the music. He was always very encouraging and generous, promoting the exploration and development of individual ideas within his music. He inspired and gave confidence; it was the same with the Anglo-American big band where he used the energy of anticipation and group dynamics to produce music you would never expect to hear from a big band combining the best elements of chamber composition with youthful spontaneity.
He redefined the term ‘Jazz Warrior’. Days before his death he was due to record a trio album of new music and before this he had been on the road with the quintet which has a live album to be released on Blue Note. He had lung cancer and was fighting it for three years before his death on 20.4.2007. Andrew would often need Oxygen in between sets and sometimes between songs, but as soon as he touched the piano he would be majestic and elegant. This commitment he had to continue playing and composing till the end had a direct result on the energy and vitality of the group. His enthusiasm for life was contagious; he enriched those he met with his wisdom, courage and humour.
I cherish my time with him, this music has an aural tradition and this is the way it is passed on. Playing with a jazz master like Andrew is being given a chance to enter into a creative labyrinth of discovery. I remember when I recommended a healer to him he replied with ‘I have lived a year more than people who have my type of Cancer. What keeps me going is to have magical musical moments similar to what we had on tour. I have found mental health in eliminating the fear of dying. By one getting into the NOW, one experiences the present which is all there is. When tomorrow comes it will be the present. I apologize for not panicking by going to the various faith healers. Only the person’s faith can heal them. My current project for the remainder of the year is to keep the group intact and to get the members of the quintet the position in music and money that I want them to have.” Byron Wallen