Newburgh - Even after a winter storm that left eight inches of snow in the area, Jeff Haynes was able to packed house with his "Percussive Journey Through Genres of Music" concert series.
Over the past several months, the community has been invited to hear Haynes as he presents the percussion instruments, rhythms and history related to a different type of genre. "Throughout the MSMC concert series, my approach to percussion and my connection to each guest artist has taken on many forms," Haynes said. Classical Jazz, Caribbean, Blues, American Folk, New Age, African, Brazilian, and Klezmer are examined from the percussion perspective.
This month Haynes invited the community to experience Blues from New Orleans guitarist, singer and songwriter, Chip Wilson and Milwaukee guitarist, singer and songwriter, Paul Cebar. "Get ready to journey to New Orleans and Milwaukee for the Blues and then beyond the crossroads as we introduce some of the original material that we’ve been producing together," Haynes says prior to the performance.
Haynes said, "This concert is more than just a taste of music from one part of the country and then another. Chip and Paul each create music that is a melting pot ‘flavored’ with the cultures and music that they have embraced over the course of their careers."
Throughout the two-hour performance, the group demonstrated the unique chemistry they share with one another. As Haynes takes you on this percussive journey, you enjoy learning that Chip and Paul each bring forth music that isn’t just a product of their hometowns, but a reflection of life, love, and American culture.
As Haynes explains, "Music happens, as life unfolds." That was the case with him meeting Chip. "He fled New Orleans and crash-landed in Beacon after the Katrina devastation in New Orleans. Chip showed up at my door step with his guitar in his hands - we did what I guess comes most natural for musicians - we started creating. I set up the microphones in my studio and let our chemistry unfold. By the end of the week, we had produced a CD; reflections of New Orleans and Katrina; beautiful music that came out of a tremendous loss."
Chip Wilson delivered with his emotive tenor voice and virtuoso guitar, capturing the sentiment of the misty streets of New Orleans. From classic folk, blues and original songs, his passion was felt in every note.
Paul Cebar, who has a penchant for African, Latin-American and Caribbean music, brought out a funky jazz sound to the group. They effectively put on a jam session that would make Louis Jordan, Duke Ellington and Billie Holiday proud.
Haynes also brought back for this concert series Sean Harkness (he was featured in the November series). The Harkness, Haynes Wilson project is a very cool mix of Chip’s lyrics, multi-genre musical blends, Haynes grooves and colors with Sean’s intuitive spirit and warm, melodic talent.
Haynes reminds everyone that the percussive journey will continue next month at Mount Saint Mary College. "Come back on March 29th as we will feature Brazilian music with Manny Moreira and finish the series on April 26th with C. Lansbom performing Klezmer."
