What a manifique second-ever GROUPMUSE concert at the San Francisco public branch library in Glen Park on February 9 on a relaxed, sunny afternoon!
Local and City-wide residents were joined for this free concert by Lisa Liu (guitar), Adrienne Rich (accordion and vocals) and Bean (bass guitar). The trio featured especially romantic, well-known songs and musical pieces. We in the audience were all happy to join in with our vocalized "ooo la la!" at the refrain when encouraged by chanteuse Adrienne during that song.
After a warm welcome by Darren Heiber, local library branch manager, I introduced our super-talented and gracious musicians and sat back for the hour's concert. It was hard not to jump up and dance. Afterwards guests enjoyed a Valentine-themed cake and fruit, and chatted with the musicians and got to know each other, too.
To sum the day up, Darren said "Thank you for all the pictures, the amazing decorating, and wonderful experience!!"
My favorite song was the classic "La Vie en Rosa" made famous years ago by Edith Piaf, French chanteuse. Adrienne's sweet interpretation brought chills to my spine and was perfectly suitable to the nature of this lovely, wistful, yearning song. She added inimitable flirtatious, expressive vocal accents here and there, and they made me smile. Everyone agreed that the quality of her tone and presentation was perfect for the trio's song choices and the relaxed nature of our friendly gathering at the library.
Lisa's amazing technical and musical talents were on full display, as usual. About six months ago my partner and I attended an intimate performance by Lisa and her group featuring her specialty, the music of Django Reinhardt. I knew after meeting and hearing her that she would be a perfect fit with our lively and friendly Village - and she was.
The day before the concert we were surprised to learn of the availability of Bean, an affable easy-on-the-ear jazz musician who normally plays the double bass. This afternoon he played a four rubber-stringed guitar to create the bass line of the trio. Great addition to the trio!
One of the special features of a GROUPMUSE concert that engages small audiences in intimate settings, is the personal connection among those who attend. This includes the musicians who willingly answer questions and share information about their piece selections, composers, or musical backgrounds and philosophies.
I started the question period by asking how each musician came to choose their instrument or music genre they preferred?
Lisa's answer particularly resonated with me.
She said that the music instrument actually chooses the musician!
Lisa trained as a classical pianist but discovered the guitar in the seventh grade, and the rest is history. Her particular love for this instrument was cemented when she first heard an electric guitar! Likewise, Adrienne is classically trained in the piano (and teaches lessons in the Bay Area) but eventually gravitated to the accordion: "I fell in love with the versatility of the accordion in 2016. Since then, I’ve also enjoyed teaching beginning jazz and classical accordion."
I did not have time to ask how easily - or not - pianistic skills translate into playing the accordion, but I hope to do so in the future (ask her -- not take up the accordion!).
As for me, my composer friend once asked me why it took so long after graduating from high school to come back to piano lessons and this time, compared to 58 years earlier, truly fall in love with music? If you don't already know and are curious about this substantial gap, my long-ago "ho hum" nonchalance toward piano lessons and music, and my present enchantment with a new small grand piano, checkout my former blog on the topic.
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