Listening to the music on the river and in a club

Tweet

You don't often see a French Horn in a jazz combo, but in the whimsical, watery world of these bronzed or coppery musicians at nearby Belmont Hot Springs, the musicians play to the accompaniment of the fountain (see the water pouring out of the trumpet?) and the rush of the McKenzie River behind the photographer. While the band may not take requests, their unchanging expressions remain fascinating. I go to see a local jazz group quite often. The piano player, singer and bassist are all animated while performing, smiling, nodding to each other and the audience. The drummer remains stonefaced at all times though keeping that beat, but rarely even looking at the other performers. He does some great solos, with maybe a grimace here and there during intense moments, but acknowledges applause only with a wave of a drumstick. Maybe that is the persona, the band wants as a counterpoint to the other members, or perhaps the drummer is such a shy soul that he must concentrate on the music to keep from running off stage in a panic. Whatever the case, the band makes great music and I love a good jazz combo. By the way, they never use a French Horn.