Jazz Series
West Stockbridge Historical Society Presents
A Free Virtual Preview of our 2021-2022 Jazz Series
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We're thrilled to announce our 2021-2022 live jazz concert series. Click on the link to enjoy "meeting" our performers through these preview conversations:
Lauren Henderson (6/19/21) - internationally acclaimed jazz and Latin vocalist in conversation with Elizabeth Morse, renowned harpist and music educator at Williams College. https://youtu.be/5OvXmWYk0p8 Ned Rothenberg's Sync (9/25/21) - internationally acclaimed ensemble and solo artist Ned Rothenberg in conversation with Lori Rose. https://youtu.be/iMHv3_N8R8c Armen Donelian Trio (11/13/21) - critically acclaimed pianist, bandleader, recording artist, educator and author Armen Donelian in conversation with Jeff Nestel-Patt. https://youtu.be/T4yD5qKJMSw Yoko Miwa Trio - coming in spring 2022, watch this space for details! We plan to follow with additional video interviews with upcoming musicians. We look forward to seeing you in person for live performances by these and more remarkable jazz artists. As always, donations to support our programs are most welcome. Click here to donate. |
The Armen Donelian Trio Performs for Sold-Out Crowd
By Jeff Nestel-Patt
Photos by David Finck
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“The song is ended, but the melody lingers on.” Those words from the 1927 Irving Berlin song of the same name capture the feeling of the masked and sold-out crowd at the end of the Armen Donelian Trio jazz concert on Saturday, November 13, at The Foundry in West Stockbridge. Sponsored by the West Stockbridge Historical Society, and graciously hosted by Amy Brentano in The Foundry’s black box theater, the audience was treated to a beautifully curated 75-minute set of songs ranging from familiar jazz standards to originals from Donelian’s oeuvre.
The trio, consisting of Donelian on piano, David Clark on bass, and George Schuller on drums, played with the ease and familiarity gained from numerous past performances together. Joining them was special guest jazz vocalist Dominique Eade, who added her richly textured voice as a fourth instrument to the ensemble.
The set began with a beautiful rendition of Joe Henderson’s “Recorda Me” (Remember Me). The melody of this 1963 standard came to life on Donelian’s piano, supported by Clark’s bass, and Schuller’s drums. It felt as if the musicians were finishing each other’s melodic sentences, as the solos passed among these trusted old friends. Next up was a beautiful rendition of Victor Young’s “Stella by Starlight” that showcased Eade’s silky vocal range.
Two other songs from the set, both Donelian originals, stood out: “Mexico,” a hauntingly beautiful solo piano that evokes the stark beauty of the landscape of the Southwest, and “King of Cathay,” a song from Donelian’s brilliantly written and produced double-CD album, Sayat-Nova: Songs of My Ancestors, on which Clark and Schuller played for the original 2014 recording sessions. The songs on the album bring to life the original melodies of Sayat Nova, an 18th-century Armenian poet, and highlight Donelian’s interpretative creativity in fusing these ancient melodies with modern jazz sensibilities to deliver powerful and compelling music.
“Tonight’s concert is a great example of putting our mission into action,” said Bob Salerno, president of the West Stockbridge Historical Society. “In addition to the ongoing renovation of the Old Town Hall, we are committed to producing events such as tonight’s concert that add to the richness and vibrance of the region’s cultural heritage for the benefit of our community and the surrounding area.”
The concert concluded the 2021 season for the West Stockbridge Historical Society’s Jazz Program. Planning for the 2022 season has already begun with the first concert scheduled for the spring. Watch this page for details about the upcoming season.
The trio, consisting of Donelian on piano, David Clark on bass, and George Schuller on drums, played with the ease and familiarity gained from numerous past performances together. Joining them was special guest jazz vocalist Dominique Eade, who added her richly textured voice as a fourth instrument to the ensemble.
The set began with a beautiful rendition of Joe Henderson’s “Recorda Me” (Remember Me). The melody of this 1963 standard came to life on Donelian’s piano, supported by Clark’s bass, and Schuller’s drums. It felt as if the musicians were finishing each other’s melodic sentences, as the solos passed among these trusted old friends. Next up was a beautiful rendition of Victor Young’s “Stella by Starlight” that showcased Eade’s silky vocal range.
Two other songs from the set, both Donelian originals, stood out: “Mexico,” a hauntingly beautiful solo piano that evokes the stark beauty of the landscape of the Southwest, and “King of Cathay,” a song from Donelian’s brilliantly written and produced double-CD album, Sayat-Nova: Songs of My Ancestors, on which Clark and Schuller played for the original 2014 recording sessions. The songs on the album bring to life the original melodies of Sayat Nova, an 18th-century Armenian poet, and highlight Donelian’s interpretative creativity in fusing these ancient melodies with modern jazz sensibilities to deliver powerful and compelling music.
“Tonight’s concert is a great example of putting our mission into action,” said Bob Salerno, president of the West Stockbridge Historical Society. “In addition to the ongoing renovation of the Old Town Hall, we are committed to producing events such as tonight’s concert that add to the richness and vibrance of the region’s cultural heritage for the benefit of our community and the surrounding area.”
The concert concluded the 2021 season for the West Stockbridge Historical Society’s Jazz Program. Planning for the 2022 season has already begun with the first concert scheduled for the spring. Watch this page for details about the upcoming season.
Concert COVID-19 Requirements
1. Bring a face mask and wear it while inside The Foundry
2. Have your ticket confirmation or PayPal receipt ready on your smartphone
or bring a printed paper copy from home
3. Bring a copy of your CDC Vaccination Record Card and a photo ID with you
4. Arrive at The Foundry early to allow extra time to check-in
What a Great Way to Celebrate!
Birthdays, Weddings, Anniversaries, Graduations,
Promotions, Retirements...
Commemorate any special occasion by sponsoring a concert by the acclaimed
West Stockbridge Chamber Players
or one of our new, innovative Jazz Concert Series performances.
You’ll be thanked in the program and toasted at our post-concert reception.
For more information about this creative and memorable way
to mark an important milestone please contact
Carol Kuller at carolkuller@gmail.com.
Birthdays, Weddings, Anniversaries, Graduations,
Promotions, Retirements...
Commemorate any special occasion by sponsoring a concert by the acclaimed
West Stockbridge Chamber Players
or one of our new, innovative Jazz Concert Series performances.
You’ll be thanked in the program and toasted at our post-concert reception.
For more information about this creative and memorable way
to mark an important milestone please contact
Carol Kuller at carolkuller@gmail.com.
Jazz Series Sponsors:
Kelly and Bill Kaiser
Donors:
Ronny and Elise Udelson
Greylock Federal Savings
Dan & Jerri Buehler
Advertisers:
(clicking on the business name will take you to their web page)
Stone House Properties
Simon's Rock
Lori Rose, Realtor
Circle Round
Joe Rose, Musician
John Toole Insurance
Creative Building Solutions
The Floor Store
Queensboro Wine and Spirits
Main Street Hospitality/Tap House
Baldwin's Extract
Baldwin's Hardware
Spirited Wines
Public Market
Dee Dee Acquisto, LMHC
Domaney's Liquors and Fine Wines
Loeb's Food Town
Guido's
The Spirit Shoppe
Boston Rare Maps
Aegean Breeze
Lennox Jewelers
The Great Barrington Bagel Company
Renders Home and Garden
Uptown Antiques
Arcadian Shop
Truc Orient Express
Kelly and Bill Kaiser
Donors:
Ronny and Elise Udelson
Greylock Federal Savings
Dan & Jerri Buehler
Advertisers:
(clicking on the business name will take you to their web page)
Stone House Properties
Simon's Rock
Lori Rose, Realtor
Circle Round
Joe Rose, Musician
John Toole Insurance
Creative Building Solutions
The Floor Store
Queensboro Wine and Spirits
Main Street Hospitality/Tap House
Baldwin's Extract
Baldwin's Hardware
Spirited Wines
Public Market
Dee Dee Acquisto, LMHC
Domaney's Liquors and Fine Wines
Loeb's Food Town
Guido's
The Spirit Shoppe
Boston Rare Maps
Aegean Breeze
Lennox Jewelers
The Great Barrington Bagel Company
Renders Home and Garden
Uptown Antiques
Arcadian Shop
Truc Orient Express