PIECE THROUGH MUSIC
By Andy Weddington
Saturday, 15 February 2025
Life is a lot like jazz. It's best when you improvise. - George Gershwin
Eleven days ago after dinner in downtown Apex we walked the streets to window shop, to listen to and enjoy the sounds of life - improv, that is.
Out front of the Halle Cultural Arts Center was ad for a concert Valentine's Day night.
A New York City jazz trio passing through.
We bought tickets online for the reserved cabaret style (8/table) evening.
We were not familiar with the band nor music. But we like jazz.
So, last night early dinner at a favorite family owned farm to table restaurant called 'The Provincial' - but a couple short blocks from the Halle. [Dine there if in town! Ask for Joe.]
Afterward we took our time walking to the Halle.
Ten or so tables elegantly set.
A large dark chocolate dipped strawberry, carefully placed on the white table cloth before each seat.
On stage - piano and accordion; stand up bass; drums.
No trace of sheet music.
Shortly after 1900 The Ben Rosenblum Trio took stage.
Ben introduced Peter Slavov (bass) and Ben Zweig (drums).
Then Ben briefly explained what the audience was in for - a night of jazz from around the world; some familiar, some not, and original compositions.
At this writing, still trying to sort out what heard and saw.
From Calypso party music to Bulgarian (Peter's home) love songs to Ben's original compositions (one of which the Trio played for the first time last night) to familiar scores the night was a wondrous ride.
For one tune his wife, Yoko, joined in with triangle. Beautiful! [Prior to concert we overheard them speaking - Japanese.]
There's not words.
Ben and his mates gobsmacked the crowd. Each's mastery showcased tune after tune.
At last note, after 90 minutes, Ben offered a few humble words and Peter and Ben joined him centerstage for a bow.
Everyone stood and applauded - longer than any formal thanks I've heard in recent years attending live theater.
On the way out, we not coincidentally purchased a trio of CDs.
Though home after Taps usually sounded around here we put in a CD, sat on the sofa, and listened for better than half hour.
I will not bother trying to put Ben's approach and music into context. He integrates all sorts of genres and nationalities into an improv jazz mix setting an auditory hook. His choices perfect!
To see the heart and soul of musicians teasing every possible sound out of their instrument joyous.
They made it look effortless. Clearly, their idea of great fun.
When Ben did speak - brief, direct, descriptive, funny, passionate and naturally endearing.
Ben Rosenblum was made to make music; like a guy named Elon Musk was made to make cars, rockets, and most anything he conceives.
We should all be so fortunate to find such passion for and commitment to a pursuit of excellence.
Ben explained they could play the same set again and sound completely different - variety the spice of life and improv jazz is variety. [To that, as a painter, I relate absolutely - that's the essence of color mixing.] He thanked the crowd for the energy - fuel for the music.
Through the end of this month this fabulous Trio will perform in SC (Columbia, Lancaster), GA (Savannah, Augusta), and FL (Jacksonville, Sarasota, Marco Island).
Visit: www.benrosenblummusic.com for Ben's bio and specific dates and venues.
In short, Ben's pieces through music will bring you peace.
DO NOT MISS! (Our tickets $30.00/seat. I'd have paid $100.00)
Support the fine arts!
Thank you!
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