Babbling in Hoodies
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| SFJAZZ Collective salutes Trayvon Martin 4/1/2012 (Predicta Media) |
After taping two sets on Friday evening at Yoshis in Oakland, I returned to do some interviews and taping on April Fools Day. Before the first set, The SFJAZZ organization hosted a reception for donors and Collective members who were nattily attired for cocktails. When I asked Mark Turner if he would be wearing the same outfit for the first set, he deadpanned, "probably". But when the band members took the stand, they were wearing SFJAZZ hoodies. Many in the sold out house gave them a standing ovation before they played the first note of Stevie Wonder's "Race Babbling".
After his blazing solo on Race Babbling, Stefon Harris took the mic and eloquently explained the band's first tune attire. "We are feeling inspired because tonight, as you can tell by our attire, the music is about something. We are wearing our glasses and hoodies in support of Trayvon Martin and his family. The music has to be about something. It has always been about something. It is a sonic manifestation of the people, what's on their hearts and what’s on their minds. And one of the things I love about working with this group is that ultimately, this Collective is about unity. We have four continents represented in this ensemble. And one of the great lessons that art has to teach the world is that it teaches us to focus on the things we have in common, and the insignificance of the things that divide us. This music was born out of the experience of African Americans in this country, like Travon Martin and his family. The message is that it's OK to be different. In fact, in this art form it is a requirement to be different. You don’t make it in this world by practicing a lot and coming up on the bandstand and playing sounds and other people’s stories. You make it in this art form when you have something to say that comes from your heart. I believe that's what you are here for. That’s what you came to hear. You want to hear some honesty." Amen. That night, the Yoshis audience got exactly what they came to hear- powerful, complex, cookin' honesty.
During the cocktail reception for the band, I noticed bassist Matt Penman sporting a soft cast on his plucking hand. I assumed it was some kind of repetitive strain protection from slamming his instrument for 6 intense sets. Turns out it helps him heal from a tennis injury. I look forward to getting in a few sets with him when he returns to the Bay Area at the end of May to play Yoshis with James Farm.
To view a video clip of the Yoshis "Race Babbling" performance, go to: http://www.youtube.com/user/klechez
