Summer Tales: Jazz on Cape Cod

Juilliard students were performing all over the globe this summer, and we've been posting some highlights. In July, Juilliard Jazz’s Dave Brubeck Ensemble, led by faculty member Ulysses Owens Jr. (BM ’06, jazz studies), performed at the Cape Cod Jazz Festival.

On Monday, July 29 at 1pm, Juilliard’s Dave Brubeck Ensemble walked into Room 340 for a rehearsal. It was the first time some of us had seen each other since the school year ended, and while the rehearsal was scheduled to last three hours, we had become so tightly knit and had developed so much chemistry last semester that we knew the rehearsal would be quick. As we were collectively choosing the music for our performance at the Cape Cod Jazz Festival, we decided to pick one or two tunes that were either written or arranged by each member of the group over the course of last semester. We added a couple of jazz standards, and that was our set list. The only issue that came up was a simple case of memory lapse since we hadn’t played some of the music since February, but we were feeling very comfortable with the music as rehearsal came to a close. And off we went, saying our goodbyes and anticipating the morning train ride to our destination the next day.

"On stage, we created a funnel of bustling artistic energy"

After a very smooth and efficient travel morning, we settled in at an on-site restaurant at the resort where the festival was held. We convened for a relaxing lunch by the ocean, catching up on our summers and enjoying each other’s company. After lunch, we proceeded to the performance venue for our sound check, and after a light dinner changed into our performance attire—and it was showtime!

Once the clock hit 8:30pm, we were introduced by the promoter and headed to the stage to play our first song, “The Journey of Love,” which I wrote. The wonderfully receptive audience was cricketly silent a lot of the time but never afraid to let out a roar at the turn of a new beat, an exhilarating solo, or at the dance impulse that our music provides. Looking out into the audience, I could see unanimous foot-tapping and a wave of smiles. On stage, we created a funnel of bustling artistic energy that inspired the improvisatory and creative spirit of our music, and we thoroughly enjoyed this moment on stage together creating beautiful music. At the conclusion of the performance, we were greeted with a line of audience members anticipating conversation and a reciprocal feeling of joy that we reflected back to them as the night came to an end.

The next day, we said our goodbyes and expressed our love for each other as we reflected on the beautiful music we’d created—what a wonderful night!

Sean Mason is a jazz piano undergrad; he holds Irene Diamond and Billy Strayhorn scholarships