San Francisco was deserted this weekend. We took advantage of the empty streets and spend a few hours around Union Square today. (Remind me to do this every Labor Day.) We did something very touristy that we never would have done otherwise: sit at the outdoor caf� whose tables take up the middle of Maiden Lane.
There’s an amazing jazz trio there consisting only of trumpet, bass and drums.
Now, as I’ve mentioned before, I don’t much like jazz. I don’t actively dislike it either, but it’s just not something I’m very interested in. I have to say that more often than not, I find it self-indulgent and/or competitive, and not much fun to listen to, but when it’s good it’s good. Occasionally I stumble into live jazz, and today I was really glad I did. These guys played with impeccable taste and sensitivity.
The bass player also sang (without amplification), and the trumpet player (without a mute) managed to accompany without ever overpowering him. In classical music we’re trained to avoid having the brass do much when there’s a soloist in the spotlight, but this player knew how to make it work. I always admire restraint. The drummer’s playing was also impressively delicate, tending more toward color as opposed to just keeping the pulse going.
Look for this trio next time your around Union Square on an afternoon. Apparently they play there a lot.
P.S. - Getting back to the deserted streets, in a tribute to M. C-, I just have to mention (not gloat) that within a second or two of thinking “Hey, I should look for street parking!”, I found a magnificent spot at Post and Taylor. Sometimes life is good.
Categories:One Response to “Jazz in Maiden Lane”
The music you heard in Maiden Lane was that of Christopher Lowell Clarke (trumpet) and Dewayne Oakley (bass and vocals). I love their music also! I don’t know the name of the drummer. I first heard them in Montgomery St. BART station during morning commute a couple years ago. I believe they may be playing there again for awhile.
