by Ken Laster
photos by Maurice D. Robertson

Make no mistake, there were clouds (and heavy rain) the evening of the 2018 Paul Brown Monday Night Jazz (PBMNJ) finale concert. But as I learned as a child, for every cloud there is a silver lining. That “Silver Lining” prevailed the evening of August 13 in Bushnell Park. Despite the dire weather prediction, hundreds came out to celebrate quality live music that has been on display for each of the previous 5 PBMNJ concerts. Those who braved the elements were rewarded by the performances of Sarah Hanahan Quintet and Helen Sung’s (re)Conception Project. Two women led ensembles, the former with local roots, the latter a group of world renowned jazz artists.

Alto sax player Sarah Hanahan opened the concert. Her quintet was comprised of fellow University of Hartford student and alumni Tom Lehman on trumpet and Matt DeChamplain on piano. Sarah’s mentor and jazz great, Professor Nat Reeves was on bass and NYC’s in-demand fiery drummer Jason Brown. Her set included mostly original compositions and a homage to her idol the late great Jackie McLean. Her set was punctuated by an intensity and seriousness that was displayed by the look in her face and the response of her band-mates. Each were giving 110% to their performance. The music was straight ahead hard-bop, that would make Hartford’s jazz legend Jackie McLean proud. Sarah eloquently expressed her joy and respect for being on the stage with these wonderful musicians and in front of an appreciative, if wet, audience.

After a short break, Helen Sung (piano) took the stage with her (re)Conception Project. Her all-star band had John Ellis sax, Marquis Hill trumpet, Reuben Rogers bass and Rudy Royston drums. As she often does, Helen kicked things off with a “re-conception” of a trio of Thelonious Monk compositions. The balance of her set was a combination of original tunes and standards that combined a soft touch, fiery chops and arrangements of harmonic and rhythmic complexities. All the musicians stepped up to the challenging arrangements. Although the entire quintet displayed their expert musicianship, the standouts for me were the Miles-like tone and phrasing of Hill’s trumpet and the fire and swing of Royston’s drumming.

As the rain increased in intensity most of the audience ventured under the pavilion roof and watched the concert stage left and right. It became as intimate a setting as you could expect at a free outdoor concert. The musicians responded by connecting to the audience that flanked the stage.

The intimacy and energy of this final performance of the season was a fitting end to the six concerts of the Paul Brown Monday Night Jazz series. This 51st year of PBMNJ was, in my opinion one of the best produced by the Hartford Jazz Society. I was proud to be part of organizing this event. I’d like to thank the HJS board members, musicians, audience and most importantly the Sponsors that make it possible to provide all this great live music to the Greater Hartford community.

links:

Complete PBMNJ Photo Gallery
Paul Brown Monday Night Jazz webpage
Sarah Hanahan’s performance (facebook)
Hartford Jazz Society Blog