Image: Claude Bolling | Inconnu, travail collectif., Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
The Santa Barbara Music Club presents a program of exquisite classical and jazz music on Saturday, February 3, at 3:00 at First United Methodist Church, 305 E. Anapamu Street, Santa Barbara, featuring Claude Bolling’s Suite for Flute and Jazz Trio and Toot Suite for Trumpet and Jazz Trio as well as four late piano works of Johannes Brahms: Ballade in G minor, Op. 118, No. 3 Intermezzo in B-flat minor, Op. 117. No. 2 Intermezzo in A major, Op. 118, No. 2 Rhapsodie in E-flat major, Op. 119, No. 4 Capriccio in D minor, Op. 116, No. 7, performed by Robert Else.
Program Details
(1930-2020)
- Irlandaise
- Javanaise
- Sentimentale
Hal Onserud, bass; Joshua Jones, drumset; Miriam Arichea, piano
- Allegre
- Rag Polka
- Vespérale
Hal Onserud, bass; Joshua Jones, drumset; Miriam Arichea, piano
Intermezzo in A major, Op. 118, No. 2
Ballade in G minor, Op. 118, No. 3
Intermezzo in B-flat minor, Op. 117. No. 2
Rhapsodie in E-flat major, Op. 119, No. 4
(1833-1897)
Notes on the Program
Regarding Bolling’s works, The French Academy of Recording has stated: “Claude Bolling has not been tempted, as have so many others, by an impossible fusion of classical music and jazz. Passing from one to the other with an angelic virtuosity, he has accomplished a strong and exciting juxtaposition for the ear.”
And of these late Brahms works, written 1892-93, Artur Rubinstein has said: “It is with the late piano works, Op. 116-119, that we reach Brahms’ most personal music for his chosen instrument.” At the time of writing, Brahms had lost his sister and several of his dear friends, and was likely aware that his own time was coming to an end. There is a feeling of resignation in many of them, but the overarching effect is one of incredible emotion, profound acceptance, and peace.
The Performers
Robert Else, pianist, is active in both the classical and jazz worlds. He earned his BA Degree in Music from Cal Poly Humboldt and pursued graduate studies at USC, studying with Gwendolyn Koldofsky and Brooks Smith; he also received a BA in Jazz Piano from Berklee College of Music in Boston. His activities include solo piano, chamber music, jazz ensembles, singing tenor with the SB Noel Carolers, and composing tracks for film and TV, many of which can be heard at www.robertelse.com. A SBMC Advisory Board member, he also plays acoustic bass in various local Bluegrass and Americana bands.
Miriam Arichea, piano, is active as both musician and attorney, and earned her JD Degree from Duke University School of Law. She has been featured soloist in annual concerts with the Channel Islands Chamber Orchestra (CHICO), including performances of Brahms’ Piano Concerto No. 1, Dvorak’s Piano Concerto, Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue, and Rachmaninoff’s Paganini Variations, and has been pianist in numerous chamber music ensembles throughout Southern California. She is currently Deputy District Attorney for Ventura County.
Joshua Jones, drumset, is a multi-instrumentalist focused in classical, jazz, and folk music. He studied music performance at San Diego Mesa College, sharing the stage with Bob Reynolds (Snarky Puppy) and George Svoboda (The Benedetti), and thereafter began working on folk acoustic guitar – drawing inspiration from Jim Croce, Joni Mitchell, Paul Simon, and James Taylor. Joshua is currently an active performer in the mediums of classical percussion, jazz drums, and folk guitar.
Randall (Randy) Jones, cornet/flugelhorn, currently serves as Principal Trumpet with the Channel Islands Chamber Orchestra. He began trumpet studies at age nine, and went on to co-found the Ventura British Brass ensemble (www.VenturaBritishBrass.com), in which he performs soprano cornet. A retired electrical lineman, Randy also performs with the Ventura Community Concert Band and The Swingshift Jazz Big Band.
Hal Onserud, bass, is Principal Bassist of the Channel Islands Chamber Orchestra and has been substitute bassist with the SB Symphony. He was a member of the American Symphony, Canada Symphony (Montreal). New Jersey Symphony, Orchestra/Chamber Orchestra of St. Luke’s (New York City), and Maracaibo Symphony (Venezuela). A frequent performer in improvised/new music groups in Amsterdam and NYC, he continues those activities in California. His album, Hal 2008, is available at www.amazon.com/Hal-2008-Onserud/dp/B0045H8MIQ.
