I can’t let the weekend pass without writing about Umbria Jazz Winter.
This is the event that gets Orvieto through to spring, economically. I was on my way back from my second concert, when I stopped by the alimentaria my friends Vera and Giovanni own to wish them a happy new year. The crowds were formidable, but not quite up to snuff as far as Vera was concerned. She asked about attendance. When I told her well-attended but not quite full, she twisted her hands and hoped things would pick up over the weekend.
They did.
The group I heard that night was Light of Love Gospel Singers from Chicago. They’re a powerful
bunch and create gorgeous music. They had a concert-combo-mass planned for New Year’s at the Duomo. My friend Claudia wanted to see that, and I did, too. We agreed to meet across from the Duomo fifteen minutes before the announced starting time. Yeah, right
At about 4:20, Claudia calls. She’s driven in from Monterubiaglio and the garage at ex-Campo della Fiera is closed, full up. So she drove around to the railway station that has a huge lot behind it, and found a space. But the station for the funicular that brings you up into town, was mobbed; no way she was going to make it up in time.
When I arrive
d at the Duomo, the entry line stretched around to the north door. It that doesn’t mean anything to you, just picture really, really long. The line moved rather quickly. I pictured seats gradually filling up inside, and hoped for the best. A few minutes later I entered the cathedral. Most of Italy of was already there. Not only were there no seats left, there were barely places left to stand.
I was fortunate and found a spot along the north wall where I could lean. Somewhere way in the distance a mass began. I caught a glimpse of a bishop in full regalia between two columns (just to the left of the ubiquitous shark balloon in the photo.) After awhile there was singing. It was nice. In the meantime, about 50 people a minute were still arriving while 30 people a minute filtered out. I stayed for an hour before I had to leave for the next concert. It was a odd experience, but I couldn’t help but think that this kind of crowd was what the Duomo was built for.
Last evening’s concert was Jarrod Lawson & the Good People. The fellow who introduced them said they were very young. I’d seen a photo of Jarrod and knew this didn’t mean pre-teen, but wasn’t quite prepared for how young they are. Six musicians in their early twenties, remarkably talented, loads of class, incredible poise. They have another concert this evening that starts just about the time I usually go to sleep, but I’m going. I don’t care if it’s identical.
UPDATE –
Romero Lubambo. All you need to know. He’s Brazilian, a guitarist, and takes that instrument to places I didn’t know if could go. If you ever have the chance to hear him, do not pass it up.
FURTHER UPDATE —
Funk Off. A marching jazz band. Kind of a big band sound, but funky. They do coordinated movement and marching band figures, all kind of funky. I don’t suppose they’ll be coming to your neighborhood, soon, but if they do…