Free Music, Big Vibes: The Dan Barrale Trio Brings Jazz to Life at WTJU
Have you ever wondered what it would be like if Frank Sinatra played the drums? The Dan Barrale trio answered this question as they held a performance at WTJU Friday, Sept. 13. From Sinatra tunes to classic blues, the trio (now a quintet) explored a wide range of genres. The “trio” invited several guests (Michael Elswick – sax, Jeff Massanari – guitar) to play alongside the regulars, composed of Bill Edmonds on guitar, Tom Harbeck on bass, and of course, Dan Barrale on drums and vocals.
Barrale’s deep voice really lends itself to the era of big band jazz, popularized by Sinatra. This was put on full display, as many of the tunes the quintet performed seem to have leapt directly out of The Great American Songbook. For those that enjoy this style of music, the performance truly was a technically well balanced performance, with strength in the rhythm section, soloists, and Barrale’s own voice.
With such an abundance of guitarists, it’s no surprise that the group chose to perform a song composed by one of the most accomplished Brazilian classical guitarists, turned bossa nova composer and innovator, Luiz Bonfá. “Samba de Orfeu” is a standard tune, first played by Bonfá on classical guitar. However, Barrale and his quintet reinterpreted “Samba de Orfeu” and presented a reimagined samba full of blazing horn riffs and sassy guitar solos. Massanari’s solos in particular stood above the rest as his highly technical playing sounded at home on a tune written for classical guitar.
The Dan Barrale trio may not play everyone’s favorite songs, but they provide a nice introduction to the songs and style of The Great American Songbook. Alongside this, the quintet commanded the stage with charismatic jokes and entertaining showmanship. So charismatic, that after the show, all of the band members acknowledged, spoke with, and hugged crowd members.
Due to the quintet’s high level of technicality, one could argue that it succumbs to the common criticism that surrounds virtuosic music: it tends to be complex rather than artful. Many argue that this style of music, however rhythmically and harmonically perfect, tends to fall short of creating artful music. Due to the subjectivity of this criticism, one can only know whether it applies by attending a live performance. Live performances are undoubtedly the most immersive medium by which to experience music, and the venue at which they occur is equally important.
In regards to the venue, the WTJU studio is a vibrant, yet tiny space that holds a special place in the community’s heart, with many regular audience members at every show. A cozy atmosphere is created by the hanging fairy lights, the sounds of the bar next door, and limited number of seats. However, the sparse seating forced many people to stand during the performance. But who can really complain when the entry fee is the low cost of free?
Other upcoming free events at the WTJU studio (2244 Ivy rd.) include:
Friday, Oct 18 – Offbeat Roadhouse: Goot Genug (doors open 7:30)
Saturday, Oct 19 – Third Rail: Chloe Ester (doors open 7:30)
Friday, Oct 25 – Offbeat Roadhouse: Jeff Massanari Group (doors open 7:30)
Friday, Nov 1 – Offbeat Roadhouse: Cville Jazz Congregation (doors open 7:30)
Friday, Nov 8 – Offbeat Roadhouse: Michael Elswick Gathering feat. Lisa McQueen (doors open 7:30)
More info at WTJU.net
Disclosure: The author of this article volunteers at the WTJU station. However, they have no affiliation to the Dan Barrale Trio.
