Had the chance tonight to catch another great jazz concert tonight. Tonight was the 4th (in a series of 5) concert at the BMA. The yearly series is put on by the Baltimore Chamber Jazz Society. The Tom Harrell Quintet was the featured group. Harrell plays the trumpet and flugelhorn. What a great concert! Although it was a jazz show, there were many types of music interwoven with the jazz. And except for one or two numbers, all of the compositions were written by Harrell himself.
Although the music was great, it was one of the saddest experiences I've witnessed. I didn't know what was going on at first, but Harrell never looked at the crowd. He would play his rhythm section and/or solo, then shuffle a few steps to the side and just hang his head. He just looked so sad. He very rarely even spoke to the crowd. There was no announcing of the musical numbers, and only cursory introductions of the band. I wasn't sure if it was social anxiety, or depression, etc. No matter what it was, it was sad to watch someone so talented (especially in such a lively form of music), yet so trapped in their own skin. After the show, my father and I try and get the autographs of the performers on the program. It's kind of a tradition for us. I didn't know what to expect at all this time though. Afterward we let the crowd dissipate and made our way toward the stage (normally the musicians come back out and start packing up their gear). I had to venture stage left and toward the rear to attempt to get Harrell. He didn't really look up, but was very considerate and signed my cd and shook my hand. I was so happy. What I really wanted to do was hug the guy, much the same way I would with a child here at school who was struggling. You want to reach out and try and help that person. Upon my arrival back home, I was able to do some research. It seems as though Harrell suffers from paranoid schizophrenia. It's a debilitating disease, and it's amazing that he's able to perform worldwide in front of tons of people. It's unbelievable to think that not only does he perform around the world, but he's been doing it for over 40 years. And his condition was diagnosed early on in his early 20's. What a great performance, a crushing yet heartwarming story, and a wonderfully talented and kind man. It just goes to show you that anyone can persevere and do great things!
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B.D.SchmittHusband, Father, Archives
November 2015
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