Middle day of the annual Yale Undergraduate Jazz Collective festival has young vibraphone artist Berliner in a solo setting. Originally from Frisco, she now splits her time between NYC and LA leading and a member in a variety of groups. She sets up with some looping and effects boxes to create a percussive bed over which to play. Tapping the microphone and recording some shaker passages, she layers the vibes on top. This festival usually happens in April, maybe the YUJC wants to be more “inclusive” of winter months. The African-American center has a no frills assembly room that houses some programs on this festival weekend. Berliner seems to be on the spectrum as her intersong banter was shy and nerdy. Put some vibe mallets in her hands however, and she shines. I had a good view, when four mallets were used, the sound was typical magic wand wish granting. When Sasha moved to two mallets, the music turned more tribal. She name checked Gary Burton, the godfather of jazz vibes, as having influenced her work. One song, “The Worst Person in the World” paid homage to an obscure Scandinavian film score. Berliner has played with some top names in jazz, Tyshawn Sorey and Nicholas Payton being notable. The set was brief, but I am always happy to see the Collective showcase up and coming talent in the jazz world.
No comments:
Post a Comment