Kevin Hupe, Reporter
The combined performance of Brad Goode and Ira Sullivan also featured the 2004 Conference Rhythm Section consisting of Eric Gunnison-piano; Ken Walker-bass; and Mike Marlier-drums to complete this outstanding quintet. Throughout this performance, the artists treated the audience to a wide range of styles and moods from intimate to riotous keeping all listeners on their toes!
The performance began with an introspective ballad-like statement of the melody Make Someone Happy by Sullivan on the soprano saxophone that soon evolved into a relaxed swing groove featuring both Goode and Sullivan soloing in their own respective styles. Goode showed his command of the instrument each time he played and created interest in his solos with a wonderful variety of techniques including large dynamic contrasts, octave displaced melodies, and exploration of the full range of the horn. Sullivan displayed classic be-bop style with intricate lines coupled with a warm sound whether he was playing trumpet, flugel horn, soprano sax or flute.
The evening continued with Thats Earl, Brother by Dizzy Gillespie. Then Sullivan took some time to talk about dance bands and how they used to borrow from classical music and use it in jazz arrangements. That led to the next piece, Stranger in Paradise based on a melody by Borodin. Starting with a free ballad feel, the tune soon gave way to a medium Latin style solo section. Sullivan provided the cabasa accompaniment for Brad Goodes solo including a quote from the tune Honeysuckle Rose after which Goode provided the background riffs for Sullivans warm and inviting flugel horn solo.
Perhaps the highlight of the evening was a little-known tune called Toy Trumpets by Raymond Scott. This tune was presented in a New Orleans street-march style that soon had everyones toes tapping. Sullivan performed on a harmon mute and Goode used a plunger to great effect. Both artists soloed together, complimenting each other like old friends. The whole quintets enthusiasm for this fun feel was evident in the smiles on the performers faces as both trumpets escorted this gem of a tune to its energetic conclusion.
Next up was a tune by Thelonius Monk called Evidence. It began with a rhythm section introduction featuring dissonant and frantic piano playing, then both trumpets entered together playing powerfully on a disjunct and pointillistic melody. Eric Gunnison played a superb piano solo that paid homage to Monk at times not only in sound but also in his movements. The piece concluded with both trumpets trailing down into a duet that segued seamlessly into Without You.
The concert concluded with a few closing remarks from Sullivan as he thanked God for all music. He mentioned his belief that trumpet is a sacred instrument and this reporter thinks most readers will agree. Then came the performance of Amazing Grace on flute in the style of a bluesy spiritual accompanied by the rhythm section and Goode on harmon-muted trumpet. In a way, this was the musical benediction on a magnificent night of jazz preaching.