A REWARDING TIME SPENT SUSPENDED
WITH THE ARTISTS OF SUSPENDED IN TIME
Some musical performances—in concert or on recordings—while unquestionably or undemandingly enjoyable, may go in one ear and out the other. Others linger in that place in between the ears and might stay in the heart. Here’s an example of the kind that sticks with you. On its own as an audio-only experience, the recently released recording of a striking seven-part song cycle titled Suspended in Time (in CD, vinyl, and digital formats) is a gorgeous, thought-provoking, emotional project to take in, in private. The album was all the more gripping and graceful powerfully presented as a live concert with additional songs at Joe’s Pub on March 30. Suspended in Time is a timely set of reflections on the impact of the COVID pandemic: personal, cathartic, relatable, raw and sobered, haunting and hopeful, vulnerable and visceral.
The words had their genesis as Rondi Charleston’s journal entries, and led to them taking form as poems, and then the poems became song lyrics when set to music by Fred Hersch. Joined in elegance by other musicians, both participated on the recording (he as pianist, she in spoken-word form on one selection, “Fever Dreams”) with Kate McGarry and Gabrielle Stravelli, two always gratifying performers who sensitively interpret the material with tender loving care and intelligence.
Rondi Charleston and Fred Hersch
Fortuitously, all were able to reunite for the live renditions, performing the same assignments as on the recording. The presentation evoked the feelings of sorrow and worries of the very recent past—but those were tempered by the perspective of the post-vaccine era and information that was not known when the earliest words of woe and disorientation were written (thus the title). While wounds have not been magically healed, the improved reality—gratefully cherished —allowed us to look in that rear view mirror and absorb these songs without the venue having to supply a hanky to dab at tears. It helped to take in a deep breath along with the deep thoughts, remembering the strength of hope and the need for “Patience” (pointedly emphasized in the soothing, strength-encouraging song of that name). And ordering a strong drink was in order, too.
Kate McGarry and Gabrielle Stravelli
We’ve all gotten used to the experience of being in an audience surrounded by others who are also contemplating and reacting to the feelings expressed in songs (the words and music as well as the performance). But the subject matter matters in a rarer, additional way when the gathered group is made up of so many who, in lonely isolation, initially went through much of what’s articulated. The distance afforded by the months that have passed eased the pain of memories when time seemed to be standing still while days of dread and fear melted together. In this case, the sensitivity and grace inherent in the material were matched and enhanced by the similar qualities (and, notably, discretion) in performances by the creators, singers, The Crosby String Quartet, clarinetist Bruce Williamson, bassist Matt Aronoff, drummer Kush Abadey, and percussionist Rogerio Boccato.
The other half of the rewarding program included mostly songs written or co-written by the formidable Fred Hersch. One of his talented collaborating lyricists, David Hajdu, who supplied words for the affecting “Good Things Happen Slowly” was in the house. Its titular message was an especially apt companion to “Patience,” although it was written years ago about a very different situation. The sublime pianist and versatile composer briefly set up the latter numbers, with the running little joke of starting with the classic introductory phrase employed by tunesmiths presenting successive samplings of successes from their oeuvre: “And then I wrote…”
Apart from the originals, a special extra treat was when McGarry and Stravelli (who received a MAC Award a few days ago) joined forces on Jerome Kern and Oscar Hammerstein’s “Nobody Else But Me,” about being happy with one’s lot and lover. Well-timed phrasing brought a laugh on the line that sums up a reason for a couple’s compatibility: “I’m not very bright / He’s not very bright.” Well, the very bright talents of all concerned made for a bright spot in the month of March in its final hours.
