Bruce Forman & Friends House Concert
Last Saturday night, my wife and I enjoyed a concert at a home near Laguna Lake. The concert was organized by Craig Updegrove, President of the San Luis Obispo County Jazz Federation. Our hosts rearranged their living room and kitchen to provide seating for thirty, fortunate jazz lovers. Guests brought their own beverages and lots of “finger foods” to share. Temperature, lighting, and sound quality were perfect.
The evening featured Bruce Forman, one of the finest guitarists active today. He plays in a contemporary style with great tone, beautiful articulation, and lots of feeling. Like his personality, Bruce’s music is both lighthearted and accessible. From start to finish, he seemed relaxed and genuinely happy to be there.
L-R: Bruce Forman, Dylan Johnson, and Ron McCarley
Bruce Forman & Ruby
Bruce played solo for the first set. He invoked a mixture of rapid (albeit melodic) single-line playing, multi-voice techniques, and chord-melody to create lush performances. He veered into Bebop, played straight-ahead jazz, and interpreted classics. His humor had us laughing, and his rendition of “Stardust” hypnotized the audience. Even though guitar is Bruce’s weapon of choice, I’m almost certain that the ghost of Charlie Parker showed up for a cameo.
Two excellent, local musicians, both music faculty from nearby Cuesta College, joined Bruce for the second set. Dylan Johnson was on standup bass. Ron McCarley played tenor and soprano saxophone. The trio quickly settled into an excellent groove, with McCarley calling most of the tunes and handling the heads and the recaps. On song after song, they maintained a rock-solid tempo, and all three played a lot while leaving plenty of space for their partners-in-jazz.
Their work was consistently tasteful, often inspired. Great things happen when top-flight musicians play together in front of an attentive, supportive audience, and this was just such an event. Smiles all around. Good natured banter at the right times. And no one talked during the bass solos.
About Bruce Forman: Bruce is on the faculty of the Studio/Jazz Guitar Department of USC’s Thornton School of Music. In addition to his work with the school’s talented students, Bruce maintains a grueling touring schedule. He has numerous album credits, both as a leader and as a sideman. His band, Cow Bop, has hit four separate charts with its CDs. He has performed on soundtracks for several major motion pictures, including Clint Eastwood’s Million Dollar Baby, Flags of Our Fathers, and Hereafter. On his website (http://www.bruceforman.com) you can find a calendar and information about Bruce’s projects (including his one-man performance piece, “The Red Guitar,” which he will soon perform Off Broadway). He has multiple CDs available, including: “Formanism”, “The Book of Forman,” and, with Cow Bop, “California Swing.” In addition, Bruce Forman, Scott Henderson, and Troy MacCubbin have a weekly podcast called “Guitar Wank” (see guitarwank.com).
About Ron McCarley: For 14 years Ron McCarley has been the Director of Jazz Studies at Cuesta College where he leads one of the best combo programs at a Community College in the US and an award winning big band. He has served as a judge and presenter at many festivals and conferences and is an accomplished saxophonist and reed doubler performing and recording in a variety of situations. He and his wife Laura live in Morro Bay with their four children. As if he wasn’t already busy enough, nine years ago he started a music store in town for band instruments and orchestral strings.
About Dylan Johnson: Electric and acoustic bassist Dylan Johnson (http://www.dylanjohnson.net) has been involved with many styles of music for over twenty years. He holds a master’s degree from SUNY Purchase Conservatory of Music and completed his undergraduate work at Berklee College of Music. Currently based on the Central Coast of California, he performs regularly with Inga Swearingen and Charlie Shoemake. Dylan has an active portfolio of music projects and frequently accompanies touring jazz artists. He is on the music faculty at Cuesta College in San Luis Obispo, CA, but performs on both coasts of the US.