Is it not fitting that the final part of this music madness is G? — perhaps for Glenn, or maybe Good, or even glad (that’s is over!!) Nevertheless I did want to talk about one more musical moment on the weekend. This occurred after the Youth Orchestra concert and before the dinner hour.

St. Saviour’s Anglican Church in Penticton monthly stages a Jazz Vespers service. I usually try to attend, if only to improve my understanding of and appreciation for jazz. This week however the core members of the Jazz combo that leads the music were in New Orleans. As a result the Bassist brought two rather folk oriented musicians to play and sing for us.

It was not a bad concert and it was nice to have a bit of variety; but one thing that the core team always does is intersperse some of their own compositions with well known jazz favourites. There is a theme to each service and it usually matches up with the readings and short homily. This week the music seemed more scattered than eclectic, not even Mother’s Day played a role. Moreover, everything was original and at times, because the singers were not distinct in their vocal diction, it was difficult to know what actually they were singing about. The instruments were well played and the harmonies were good. I’m just not sure what the songs were about.

The concert wound down rather quickly and perhaps that was a good thing. I left with a sense that folk music still has a place in certain services, but it needs to fit into a theme, have clearly understood words, and be an occasional treat. If this had been the regular fare for either the Vespers services or for regular church, I’d be spending all my time logging in to Doug Rollwage’s 35 minute offering.

BUT, there is some great news to share nonetheless. I have a cousin, older and wiser, who has sung in Bach Choirs, Gilbert and Sullivan operettas, church groups and generally has a handle on classical music. He has provided a quick translation to the Italian I could not interpret in Part F. — “quickly (but not too quickly) with good resolve”!! Thanks wise cousin…

g.w.