Because there was nothing else better to do and since I knew most of the people being awarded, we watched the Kennedy Center Honors the other night. The one awardee I didn't know was an opera star, Grace Bumbry. The others were an actor (Robt De Niro), a comedian (Mel Brooks), a rocker (Bruce Springsteen) and a jazz musician: Dave Brubeck. All the tributes were great even though no one was quite able to cause any of the mega-stars to tear up. Carl Reiner and Mel Brooks look really old but they are still poking at each other in ways that only long-time friends can. Makes me long for an outlet to perform the 2000 Year Old Education Researcher.
I
was surprised by how much praise they heaped onto Dave Brubeck. In my brief and immature jazz appreciation history, Brubeck followed Vince Guaraldi who I will always associate with Christmas-time and dancing with abandon. But I never imagined Brubeck was such a trailblazer and innovator. I thought he was playing "nice" jazz with a regular beat (except for Take Five) and with a melody I could follow. But in his day, he was breaking all kinds of new ground -- even as a white guy who walked the Earth when other magnificent jazz musicians were around.
It was interesting to see who they paraded out for each honoree. For Bruce, Ron Kovic literally rolled out as the author of Born on the Fourth of July. Ben Stiller was among those going at De NIro and Jon Stewart was unable to conceal his adoration for Springsteen. But again, those who were at the center of attention seemed content but not overwhelmed. Maybe being adored that much just gets to be normal after awhile?
However, there was a moment I won't soon forget (and if I do, it's now forever on the InterWeb). It starts nicely enough when Dave Brubeck's band is performing. Great medley of very familiar tunes. Then the US Army Jazz Band joins the quintet on stage. They are in uniform and although good musicians, they are stiff as ... well, soldiers. There are some glorious cuts away to the Obamas (Michelle and her hubby) who are clearly enjoying the music. Dave Brubeck is having a pretty good time, too. But the moment is when a piece of the stage set slides back to reveal who the announcer indicates are the four sons of Dave Brubeck. The old guy is blown away. Anybody can read his lips. If you watch carefully, he almost forgets to breathe and is unsure what to do with his hands.
There is pure delight when the first son gives a jazz trombone solo, utter pride when Son #2 has a piano solo. And when the cellist's solo begins, even Dave Brubeck leans forward to take it all in: jazz cello?! As it continues, his grin becomes so large his cheeks all but squeeze his eyes shut. They conclude with a rendition of Happy Birthday because, as Herbie Hancock earlier revealed, it was Dave's birthday. The performance was really good -- but Dave Brubeck had the most fun of anyone. THAT is how to recognize someone's accomplishments!
I
was surprised by how much praise they heaped onto Dave Brubeck. In my brief and immature jazz appreciation history, Brubeck followed Vince Guaraldi who I will always associate with Christmas-time and dancing with abandon. But I never imagined Brubeck was such a trailblazer and innovator. I thought he was playing "nice" jazz with a regular beat (except for Take Five) and with a melody I could follow. But in his day, he was breaking all kinds of new ground -- even as a white guy who walked the Earth when other magnificent jazz musicians were around.It was interesting to see who they paraded out for each honoree. For Bruce, Ron Kovic literally rolled out as the author of Born on the Fourth of July. Ben Stiller was among those going at De NIro and Jon Stewart was unable to conceal his adoration for Springsteen. But again, those who were at the center of attention seemed content but not overwhelmed. Maybe being adored that much just gets to be normal after awhile?
However, there was a moment I won't soon forget (and if I do, it's now forever on the InterWeb). It starts nicely enough when Dave Brubeck's band is performing. Great medley of very familiar tunes. Then the US Army Jazz Band joins the quintet on stage. They are in uniform and although good musicians, they are stiff as ... well, soldiers. There are some glorious cuts away to the Obamas (Michelle and her hubby) who are clearly enjoying the music. Dave Brubeck is having a pretty good time, too. But the moment is when a piece of the stage set slides back to reveal who the announcer indicates are the four sons of Dave Brubeck. The old guy is blown away. Anybody can read his lips. If you watch carefully, he almost forgets to breathe and is unsure what to do with his hands.
There is pure delight when the first son gives a jazz trombone solo, utter pride when Son #2 has a piano solo. And when the cellist's solo begins, even Dave Brubeck leans forward to take it all in: jazz cello?! As it continues, his grin becomes so large his cheeks all but squeeze his eyes shut. They conclude with a rendition of Happy Birthday because, as Herbie Hancock earlier revealed, it was Dave's birthday. The performance was really good -- but Dave Brubeck had the most fun of anyone. THAT is how to recognize someone's accomplishments!
