VCU Faculty Recital and Workshop a Success

by Maggie Schlageter “Jazz is like water,” stated Victor Dvoskin. The VCU Faculty Jazz Trio composed of Bob Hallahan (piano), Victor Dvoskin (bass) and Tony Martucci (drums) presented a recital and workshop where talent and wisdom flowed seamlessly from each individual, swirling together and washing over the audience. The trio performed March 19th at 7:30 […]

March 22, 2008; 3:02 PM • by Dean Christesen

by Maggie Schlageter

“Jazz is like water,” stated Victor Dvoskin.

The VCU Faculty Jazz Trio composed of Bob Hallahan (piano), Victor Dvoskin (bass) and Tony Martucci (drums) presented a recital and workshop where talent and wisdom flowed seamlessly from each individual, swirling together and washing over the audience.

The trio performed March 19th at 7:30 at VCU’s Singleton Center for the Performing Arts. The selections spanned the broad jazz horizon of styles with tunes such as, Day and Night Waiting by Keith Jarret, Re; Person I knew by Bill Evans, Seven Steps To Heaven by Victor Feldman (recorded by Miles Davis) and two Bob Hallahan originals. Each of the performers brought stores of individual talent to the stage and presented it in a fashion that complimented the other trio members.

Following the concert, the rhythm section workshop began with a rather intimate feel; as rows of chairs were set up directly at the base of the stage and an informal Q & A session ensued. The professors began to address the important elements of playing in an ensemble. The conclusion was reached that, in order to be successful in any circumstance you must be flexible and willing to communicate.

Bob Hallahan elaborated, “In a trio there are less orchestral possibilities – it becomes important to be able to play off the other person. It’s important to be able to play off of anyone you’re with – to inspire and encourage and challenge one another. It’s essential to be able to connect with their being- humanity- consciousness through the music.”

When musicians can connect with each other at such an intimate level, it’s then that a connection is made with the audience. It is clear that the trio of Hallahan, Martucci and Dvoskin all understand and practice this flexibility and elevated level of communication in their performance.