LP XXI--Jazz and The Pianist

The crypt next door to St. Martin in the Fields was converted into a cafe and dining hall and now is host to a variety of musical events including the famed jazz series on Wednesday nights. Bundling up against the chill, we got on a bus to Trafalgar Square for Jazz in the Crypt. Grabbing some food and snacks, we settled down with our chairs on the inscribed stones of people buried beneath us and enjoyed the jazz. Not exactly jazz, the band included a keyboard, bass, trombone, saxophone, guitar, and a blues singer. With a nice blend of funk, blues, soul, rock, pop, and jazz improvisation, the Delta Boys were obviously a professional, experienced group. Tight, complex rhythmic patterns, solid goal direction, and never a shaky moment gave the audience the kind of fun and entertaining experience they sought.

Looking around the room, and in spite of the large columns, and potentially creepy environment, everyone was moving to the music, and we even had some dancing happening. It made for a relaxed evening of fusion jazz with some hard driving moments, some soul feeling, and quite a lot of blues finding its way into the mix. Leaving the bodies behind, we returned on the bus filled with thoughts of the diversity of music in a city the size of London.

Relaxing a bit this morning, I got a cup of coffee, gave some laundry to be washed and folded (but I did not know that folded meant wadded up in the bag), went for a long walk, and returned invigorated by the chill in the air and sounds of people walking, cars going by, and buses working to navigate the busy streets. A delicious lunch of fish, chips, and mashed peas, and I got ready to take the Music Appreciation class to a piano recital.



We headed out for the 15 minute walk to the church called St. Pancras Parish Church and walked in about 2 minutes before the performance began. Shuann Chai entered the nave, walked over to the piano and began telling us about the recital. She explained a little about Robert Schumann, his wife Clara Weick Schumann, and Frederic Chopin. Telling us about the music, about their relationship and about Robert's difficulties with mental illness, she provided insights into the music and prepared us for the performance. She then began and we quickly recognized her remarkable abilities.

Every note, every phrase, and every rhythm was flawless but was surpassed by her beautiful expressive playing with great attention to balance, to shape, to dynamics, and to the joyous intricacies of music. Her playing was magnificent in all respects, leaving us wanting to hear more and reminding us of the pleasure of early Romantic piano music. Masterful performing, we left in awe over hearing one of the great pianists of our time.
http://www.shuannchai.com/