Barbara Powrie, Adjunct Professor at Villa Maria College, performed on piano today at a noon faculty recital. Barbara is a long-time teacher revered by her students and one of Buffalo's most ardent jazz fans.
Barbara's performance was entrancing. Her lyrical interpretations of Somewhere Over The Rainbow and Summertime was a cause to close your eyes and get lost in the beauty of her musical artistry. After her solo interpretations, Barbara was joined by Jim Beishline on piano and Jerry Livingston on bass. The piano duet was celebrated with an arrangement of Take 5, which crescendoed into a fantastic finish. Jerry Livingston also shined on a few well placed solos.
Jim Bohm accompanied on trumpet and accentuated with perfect timing to add a layer to each song. Janice Mitchell joined in for the final tune, in which she sang Nature Boy. Punctuated by a funk-like bass line, this number was fabulously sung by Janice and the audience clapped along.
This afternoon was about Barbara Powrie and the love she gives to the community and how those who attended wanted to show Barbara some love today. And, it was about letting the secret out on what a wonderful pianist and jazz pianist she is. What a joy it was to listen to today.
