TLC Concert Review

TLC performing artists commanded the CBI stage by bringing in the light on first night of Hanukkah. Doug Cort, Saul Kaye, Frank Martin, and Gabriela Welch delivered an array of jazzy -folksy-blues with stage comfort, warmth and nuance. Cort’s affable engagement with the audience made way for his focused, yet smooth and rich vocal interpretation of well-known jazz and blues sets. On board at Cort’s lead, was noted Frank Martin at the keyboard, not any newcomer to the stage.  Martin’s ownership of ivories traversed a complex musical terrain accessible only to the most accomplished. His undeniable dexterity, passion, and understanding of difficult scoring served the marriage between the adept and the proven. Gabriela Welch, newer to the scene, filled the hall with her rich, abundant vocal range and stage presence.  Welch’s gift in bridging styles and ranges is equaled to her knack for smiling and cultivating personal connection with her audience. Saul Kaye with his singer, story-teller, teacher, Jews-blues and folksy-cantorial style weaved a tapestry of hope and healing.  Each artist in their own right and together, held this tapestry as a shawl of light, this first night of Hanukkah. 

The stage, with curtains, lights, instruments, and artists form the upper registers of this night’s musical score. The underlying rhythm and sustained chant, were formed by all of you who engaged the experience out of generosity of money, time, effort, talent, laughter, and applause. 

Applause is for all of you. The number of curtain calls denote appreciation and gratitude. May each one of you receive a curtain call of your own for all you’ve done with, for, and on behalf of TLC’s 8th Annual Concert.