Spectral Music

Making the invisible visible

Last week I spent 6 days teaching at Jazz Camp West in the redwoods of Northern California. I have been part of the faculty since 2001, and each year about 300 people of all ages meet to spend the week playing music and engaging in amazing performances. Piedmont Piano provides dozens of pianos which are placed around the woods. Most classes are held outdoors, and the jam sessions extend into the night.

One highlight of this experience is Ohlone Bowl, a ritual musical ceremony held in a sacred Native site located in a mountain above Camp. I have been the MC and part of the curating team for this completely acoustic performance lit by a bonfire.

Something unique was captured this year by writer Aida Salazar (@aidawrites here on Substack), who photographed the bonfire as I played melodica with Michael Golds (marimba), Dillon Vado (vibraphone), Molly Redfield (bass), Michaelle Goerlitz (percussion) and maybe others I can’t remember. We were doing a loose version of Hermeto Pascoal’s O Ovo. Look at this picture of the bonfire, and see if you can spot the images generated by the music above the fire:

I have shown this image to several folks, and everyone sees something different. What do you see?

Now, here is a video shot by Aida a few minutes later, where you can see some shapes moving above the fire as we improvise. I am not trying to explain what this is, but it is certainly intriguing:

Speaking of the power of Music, I hope that my Bay area followers will come to hear me at the Black Cat Jazz Club in San Francisco next weekend (June 26-29). I will be there for four nights with two shows each night. Joining me will be Peter Barshay on bass and Dillon Vado on drums, plus special guests Harvey Wainapel on woodwinds (June 26-27) and Brian Rice on percussion (June 28-29). The club is located at 400 Eddy St, San Francisco, CA 94109. You can book your seats right here.

Thanks for your support, and let’s believe in the power of Music to move the World!

Cheers,

Jovino