SUMMONING THE SPIRITS

Community and music, two threads spooling through Odean’s emigration to Philadelphia, transitioned into music community. The mission of the Sounds of the Circle grant is to continue the musical influence of the group that includes Odean to the next generation of musicians. The multi-generational Professional Learning Community is doing just that. The process of connectivity between musicians at the last meeting of the PLC on June 26th was a demonstration of continuance at work. 

The plan that day for collective improvisation with no music stands and no leader aimed for a free form musical exploration. Tom, who had pointed out that there is always some self-imposed structure, began and each musician in turn improvised. (Bobby, Marilyn, Terry, Sam, Victor, Joe, Craig, Tom, Aaron, Monnette, Julian, Justin, Tamara, Diane) To me it sounded like music breezing through different types of foliage as each musician passed the sound to the next with the rhythm section playing throughout. The second time around the musicians loosened up hitting a tropical sounding groove. There was a third time around and then Odean and Craig played “Coltrane Time” to demonstrate the roots of Odean’s improvising concept. Odean always wants to go to the other side of what is comfortable. He likes to put it on the edge. I am reminded of a duet Odean and Bobby played recently at Chris’ Cafe when I imagined two spacemen taking a space walk, tethered to each other by their music. Odean is always looking to elevate the legacy. He capped the day’s musical section by soloing for about forty minutes! Sometimes the speed of Odean’s playing seemed to transform his saxophone into a viola, notes melting into each other. In addition to treating the PLC to a resounding send off, Odean was summoning the spirit of the past. 

The musical development in the PLC was possible because of the relational connectivity between its members. This was again evident through what each musician summed up about their experience in the group. Each shared a meaningful sentiment but Marilyn, in particular, talked about being helped through a grieving process that felt healing and transformative. Craig made the point that Philadelphia musicians ARE family. Odean paid verbal tribute to all and referred to Sam as “a quiet giant.” I had initially questioned the quest for a heightened emotional experience sought by many but, in fact, It felt like a love fest. As in any family, over time, there were some interpersonal upsets. However, based upon the overriding gladness of the group and its musical development, the project could be seen only as a rousing success!