A Trio of Two

By Woodruff Laputka - University of Alaska Anchorage


Bill Charlap grabs jazz by the balls. As he hammers away at the poor, helpless key board from song to heart-striking song his passion spills out and rolls every direction it cares to. In the moment, Mr. Charlap appears almost possessed by the music, his face and figure a contorted display of his initial, warm and inviting stage presence, something of a mix between humble and focused that often recounts the history of Jazz musician persona. Roaring from songs by such classic composers as George and Ira Gershwin, Dizzy Gillespie, to even John "Johnny" Williams, the intent to impress from Mr. Charlap is equaled only by the support of a powerful drum accompaniment from Mr. Kenny Washington.

However, the Bill Charlap's band has a stage presence of three. That's what the program sais anyway. Is that accurate? Are we sure of that? Maybe the bassist, Sean Smith was in the back, practicing the whole time. Perhaps he was taking a nap. It's interesting to note such a steady flow of energy and color coming from Mr. Charlap and Mr. Washington's performance, while not being able to , despite all good effort, honestly include My. Smith's bass performance. To be blunt, it simply was not there.

As an inherently majestic instrument, bold and full of life, the bass's relationship to Jazz has always been one of romanticism. The plucking of strings at various chords can transport the listener to far away costal city waterfronts with full moons over head, dark and seedy nightclubs where the piano has been drinking, or anywhere really that fulfills the range of colorful, emotional atmospheres this soulful instrument provides.

Such was not the case with Mr. Smith. While the energy between Bill Charlap Kenny Washington met ever in far ranging harmony, the bass seemed almost intent on failing to keep up. The bass lines were sloppy, the instruments contribution to the rhythm unimpressive if not non-existent, while Mr. Smith's stage presence was one of confusion and stress. At one point the feeling of compassion actually replaced the immense impression of disappointment, thinking that perhaps some deep, inner-conflict was effecting Smith's obvious frustrations. If that's the case, however, than why bring it to the stage? Why draw so much attention to what seemed like a fight to grasp what should be a natural command of the instrument? Was it fighting back? Perhaps the world will never know.

Luckily the music selection carries much of the loss, with classic upon classic stringing a web that catches the listener into a love for the music from this band. However no matter the quality of the overall show, it is this critics concern that Mr. Smith, a man who must have impressed Bill Charlap, who must be a talent and able performer, may well have been kidnapped and replaced by someone less helpful than what the Bill Charlap performance required.


Bill Charlap

Anchorage Concert Association

January 29, 2011 at 7:30pm

Discovery Theatre