Just Playin’ and Listenin’

The Presbyterian Church of the Mountain (PCOM) in Delaware Water Gap, PA presented another installment in their 2012 series of Summer Gazebo Concerts on Sunday July 15th featuring Sweet Sue Terry who was joined initially by Bob Keller and later by Alto Saxophonist Gil Barretto and Poet Mike Wetmore. Some approaching rain moved the concert from its outdoor venue into the church’s sanctuary which provided a more dry and intimate setting. After the customary welcoming statements and introductions where shared, Ms. Terry began her show.

The concert proved to be unique among those previously presented in the Series as it was much more than a simple performance of music. The performance area was utilized to allow the musicians to openly share thoughts and stories with one another allowing the audience to delve deeply into the creative processes musicians explores as they prepare to share their talents and the inspirations from where these processes originate. The tales of these sources and approaches were plentiful as were the illuminated reflections they generated.

Ms. Terry titled her show “I’m Just Playin’” and began a number of improvised sets performed on Soprano Saxophone and Clarinet along with Bob Keller who joined her on Tenor Saxophone and Flute. The finer points indicative in the art of improvisation were shared throughout the show such as the necessity to agree upon an established song from which additional notes and chords could be utilized to embellish it and the importance of having a sensitivity to the musical form so one can instinctively follow one note after another in a comprehensive manner. The later aspect to the art of improvisation is known as “Musicality.”

As mentioned earlier, Gil Barretto joined Ms. Terry and Mr. Keller with his Alto Saxophone to further explore the art of improvisation.  They were also joined by Poet Mike Wetmore who read some selections of his work. Ms. Terry and Mr. Keller provided a musical backdrop to the recitations which proved to be seamless. Ms. Terry also shared readings from her new book titled, “The Blog That Ate Brooklyn: Inside the Mind of a Musician” which is a collection of the postings she made on the internet consisting of observations and commentaries about music and life in general.

The given title, “I’m Just Playin’” served the presentation well. There was a playfulness in the music and spoken words as well as in the stories shared throughout the performance. However, there was also a sense of playfulness found in the body language of Ms. Terry as she shared the abilities of her instrument with the audience. It was if she constantly experienced a joyful and pleasant surprise as each note made a sound in very much same way one feels when they unexpectedly encounter a beloved friend one hasn’t seen for a far too long of time. Ms. Terry’s is multiplied as she seeks to introduce her “friends” to everyone surrounding her and her joy and love is shared and happily absorbed by those fortunate enough to be in the vicinity and were Just listenin’. You’ll be able to find more photographs taken during the concert featuring Sweet Sue Terry and others in The PCOM 2012 Gallery at www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10151016062390421.483748.636000420&type=1.

According to her website, “Sweet” Sue Terry is a musician and a writer who, through her uniquely recognized improvised approach to Jazz and her numerous published books and articles, has explored a variety of landscapes through these mediums. Ms. Terry began playing professionally at the age of sixteen and studied with the late Jazz legend Jackie McLean for five years. In addition to performing alongside other Jazz Legends, she has performed worldwide at venues such as The Montreux Jazz Festival, The Kennedy Center in Wash. D.C., and Jazz at Lincoln Center in New York. Ms. Terry also lends her time and talents to teaching the musical art of jazz to others and offers insights to techniques free on her website. To learn more about “Sweet” Sue Terry along with her musical and literary offerings, please Explore her website at www.sueterry.net.

According to their website, The Presbyterian Church of the Mountain is "… a community of disciples illuminated by God’s love who care for others spiritually, emotionally, physically, and financially as we explore new avenues of grace and grow in faith through worship and service." In an endeavor to manifest the goals of this statement, they hold weekly services every Sunday beginning at 10am, providing a hostel for those hikers who travel along the Appalachian Trail as well as holding a Hikers’ Dinner every Thursday evening throughout the Summer Months to replenish their energies, supporting the Kenyan village of Amilo by providing a school feeding program for 15 orphans, a well, housing, and simple medical care and information to the villagers, and by sharing a partnership with the Reformed Church located in Cardenaz, Cuba. They also support the local Fire Company and Women’s Resources Center as well as provide community aid funds for residents who are suffering economic burdens. The size of the congregation is approximately 200 people.

The Summer Gazebo Concert Series began in 1990 and is presented every Sunday evening throughout the Summer months until the end of August in order to support the local musicians and provide a venue where all ages could learn to appreciate Jazz and acoustic music. In reflection of Delaware Water Gap, PA being considered a Mecca for Jazz, the concerts has a great number of Jazz performances in their schedule. However, all musical styles are showcased during the summer which includes Blue Grass and Classical Music. The next installment in The Presbyterian Church of the Mountain Summer Gazebo Concert Series is scheduled for Sunday July 22nd featuring The Sheila Mark Band. The concert is free to the public and begins at 6pm. Please Explore The Presbyterian Church of the Mountain Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/pages/Presbyterian-Church-of-the-Mountain/234593743269661 for more information.