John B. Williams brings 'Blue Notes' show to ULV campus
Campus Times
February 14, 1997
Jazz musician John Bernard Williams will perform on campus tomorrow
as part of the Music Department's 1996-97 concert series.
Williams is the ninth performer in a series of 15. His is the first
concert of the spring semester, and celebrates Black History Month.
Lilia Lopez, project coordinator for the music department, said, "The
concert series is geared toward bringing and celebrating some multi-cultural
events on campus."
Williams has a unique style of presentation called "jazz theater,"
which was created with help from friend and fellow musician Bradley Rand
Smith. The concept combines jazz music with the spoken word, using actors,
singers and monologue readers.
Smith, an international playwright, serves as the writer and director
of the pieces. He is a past recipient of the Obie Award, which recognizes
achievement in off-Broadway plays. Williams is the musical director and
producer.
Three jazz theater productions have been created by the duo.
The first, entitled "Blue Notes," deals with themes of love
and loss.
The second two, "Jazz Lives" and "Jazz Live," were
inspired by the Rodney King incident of 1992.
"They gave me a chance to get things off my chest," said Williams,
who was deeply affected by the King incident. "Everything angered me
about our current system," he said.
"Jazz Lives" is a brief history of jazz, with a concentration
on the accomplishments of African American artists, while "Jazz Live"
is about the human experience.
On Saturday, Williams will perform "Blue Notes."
The play incorporates a live jazz quartet with a singer and three actors.
"It's very uplifting. Everyone in the audience, young and old,
can relate to it," said Williams of the play.
From 1989 to 1994, prior to his work with jazz theatre, Williams was
the bass player and resident poet for the "Arsenio Hall Show."
"Blue Notes" will be performed in Founders Auditorium at 7:30
p.m. Admission is free.