Jazz Pianist Fred Hersch Entertains at UCPAC Fazioli Piano Loft

His manner was unobtrusive, his playing beautiful and effortless, and the response from the audience was of knowing appreciation. Jazz pianist Fred Hersch opened his program at UCPAC’s Fazioli Piano Loft with Arthur Schwartz’s musical theatre number “You are the Night and the Music” and did not stop making lovely music for the rest of the evening.

Hersch continued his program that evening with several original pieces.  This included two selections he was inspired to compose by several dreams he had while in a coma. The first of these was taken from Schumann’s “Scenes from Childhood” and started out sounding more classical in style than jazzlike, but then moved later into the performer’s jazz style. The second selection was more abstract and atonal sounding, but both seemed to be enjoyed by the audience.

Hersch also included some Brazilian compositions and a rendition of “If Ever I Would Leave You” from the musical “Camelot”. Most of his playing seemed to start simply with Mr. Hersch adding his own jazz interpretation as he continued to play.  The pianist’s style all seemed rather mellow for a jazz artist, this combined with the warm temperature of the crowded room and the performer’s somewhat expressionless face throughout, had me nodding off as the evening continued. His last selection”Whisper Not”, however, was more upbeat and more what I think of as typical jazz.

The concert finished to rousing applause and a standing ovation by many of his fans.  Hersch returned to play an encore of his choice and pretty much ignored one of his fan’s demands to play something more classical.  The original piece he played was entitled “Valentine” and he played it beautifully.  Although Mr. Hersch always seemed to be completely involved in his playing, his face never seemed to show much emotion.  However, his playing never sounded unemotional and his final encore had a sweetness and warmth about it that makes his playing worth listening to. Richard Halperin, a fan and audience member said he has listened to Mr. Hersch’s music for years and does so because it is unique. After listening to his concert, it is understandable why he feels that way.