I thought the next music essay from me would be about the NYC Dr Ben Fundraiser. The thing is, I got emotionally caught up writing about that life affirming night and have to get back to that essay (along with going through the photos taken/sent and video that will be coming shortly from my niece the videographer for the evening…I hope she is reading this!)
Anyway, earlier tonight at the Black Arts Festival here in ATL, there was a Brasilian concert featuring Ivan Lins, Olodum, along with other Brasilian performers. The special guest was Ms Cassandra Wilson.
Let me just say that most of the performances were exceptional. Its how we got there that was troubling. First off, the president of the NBAF welcomed everyone to the show at the onset. I think he should’ve been the MC for the evening as he was personable and animated about the event. Unfortunately, there were set changes with no information given about who was coming up next, how long the breaks would be, things of that nature. A few words would’ve gone a very long way.
The first performers up were billed as a dance company but it was either a two person company or they were principal dancers with a larger company. The music they performed to was reminiscent of something by Paul Hindemith. But with more harmonic tension without resolution. It was an odd way to start a show billed as a Brasil celebration type of program.
After a singer and band did some classic bossa nova, Ivan Lins and his unit came out. That man played some of the most well crafted songs I’d heard in a long time.
The thing was, 2/3 into Ivan Lins set, he announced a special guest would be joining him on stage. But then he had to wait another song, then another AND another. Finally we thought Cassandra Wilson would join him but no. Out of the blue, the lovely and talented Ms Rachelle Ferrell steps on the stage and does a duet with Ivan Lins in Portuguese. Then they roll out the Steinway grand and she does a very very long version of I Forgive You featuring the Ivan Lins band. Then Ms Ferrell did another piano/vocal piece that sucked all the oxygen out of the room. Ms Ferrell did a performance that many in the audience responded favorably to yet it seemed out of place to me as the music of the evening was about subtlety and finesse. As a musician its great to know all the technical tools. As an artist, its great to not have to use them to make your point. I did give her credit for stretching herself and going for notes slightly beyond the call of duty.
Next, Ivan Lins came back on and introduced Cassandra Wilson to the stage (after the unseen announcer introduced her-bad stage production). She did a couple of understated, musically appropriate things. The band left the stage, her regular guitarist joined her and they did a piece she said was Brazilan inspired via Mississippi. After they left the stage, there was another awkward pause while amps were being moved around. Then Olodum (6 drummers, 1 female and 1 male singer) came on performed 3 short pieces and the night was over.
A very odd but ultimately enriching evening of artistry for a very receptive audience.
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