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Faculty of Music kicks out the Jazz
Varsity Review
by Jakob Von Baeyer
– September 29, 1997
At 12:50 p.m. last Thursday, a steady stream of 50 or so thoroughly entertained audience members trickled out of the door of Walter Hall-a theater in the basement of the Edward Johnson Building-singing the praises of the concert they had just heard. The performers, pianist David Braid and drummer Mark McLean (both fourth year music students), treated the lunch-time crowd to a six-tune set of jazz music ranging from old standards to newer compositions as part of a noon time concert series showcasing students and faculty from the University of Toronto's Faculty of Music.
The music on this day was both calculated and creative, breathing effortlessly as the duo eased through changing feels, styles, tempos and meters. Though McLean was playing a paired-down kit ( hi-hat and snare drum only), it was evident from the first tune that the two musicians were exceptionally comfortable in this exposed format. This relaxed relationship lead to an ensuing set (with full drum kit) showcasing the duo's interactive musical dialogue.
Highlights of the concert included the fine balance achieved between the soloing of the two performers. However, more impressively, the drum/piano balance accomplished when interpreting ensemble passages spoke volumes for the duo's overall musicianship, while both players' impressive individual musicianship were not overshadowed by the great technical ability they demonstrated on their respective instruments. The overall effect was positive. Whether McLean was playing a circa 1940s groove or adding some polyrhythmic icing on the musical cake, it was all done with taste and a quiet intensity characteristic of other notable timekeepers. For Braid's part, his two handed unison lines were ever impressive; lush voicing and discriminating accents in certain songs contributed momentum and texture. The subtle blend and inspired manner with which the duo disposed of the well-chosen set did not disappoint. Indeed, Braid and McLean live up to their billing as outstanding musical performers.
This kind of talent is not uncommon to find in the Jazz programme at the Faculty of Music. According to Paul Read, the director of Jazz Studies, the school has attracted a high calibre of musicians since its inception and continues to do so due to the quality of past students and an increasingly positive reputation in the community. Read, who originally recommended Mark and Dave for the gig, cites giving students an opportunity to work their art, find their voice, perfect their skills and develop a broader scope of music as the basic roles of the Jazz Programme. With that mandate, the Programme continues to grow, from its inception to the introduction of a formal jazz degree in 1991. For the future, Read would like to see a graduate degree for jazz performance majors as well as making jazz courses available to non-jazz students.
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