Willie Ruff? We are, most of us, sheltered from music that is off the well-worn commercial track, so we are forgiven for not knowing about this extraordinary musician and teacher. Now that you are here, please come to full attention, because this is one American treasure you really do not want to miss.
In 1947, Willie Ruff, born in northern Alabama, found himself stationed at Lockbourne Air Force Base near Columbus, Ohio. This elite base for black officers was quite the happening place - it had a full orchestra and two jazz bands. Happily, for the 16-year-old Ruff, one of those musicians was a jazz pianist, Dwike Mitchell. They started performing as a duo in 1955. They have celebrated a half century of playing together -a record for jazz collaborators.
Jazz probably offers more opportunity for personal expression than any American music, but it was too narrow for Willie Ruff. He went to Yale to study with composer Paul Hindemith and later became a Professor of Music there. He has traveled widely - he went to Africa to study the Pygmies' drum language -and has learned eight languages (before a trip to China, he taught himself Mandarin Chinese).
A few years ago, he got the idea of recording in the Venice cathedral that has been home to almost a thousand years of legendary music. (It now is a favored destination of more than 25,000 tourists a day, and its plaza is a must-visit for all romantics, which is perhaps why we see it regularly in commercials for diamonds.) Ruff and Venice were an ideal marriage of musician and setting.
The purity of Ruff's playing knocks you to your knees. It is not the technical mastery that is so powerful, it is the spiritual sincerity. This is not music: its prayer echoing in a stone chamber, a collaboration involving Ruff, the composers and the anonymous believers who built this cathedral.
There are a dozen short classical pieces, and then the CD takes a turn to the America South. "Were You There" seems almost spoken, and not because we happen to be familiar with the words. "Steal Away" starts with an extended, full-bodied note and then jumps an octave; who knew so few notes could have such great effect? "Go Down Moses" touches every emotion -sweet and shockingly sassy, almost as if Ruff were playing trombone, and then powerful and direct. This, you imagine, is how God told Moses what He wanted from him. Moreover, finally, "Give Me Jesus," which ends, fittingly, as the bells of St. Mark's begin to toll.
This is quiet, contemplative music -and, at the same time, it is incredibly exciting. It calms you and sharpens you at the same time. It makes you cry and brings you joy. Like ancient medicine, it works on you in ways you do not understand, but which you trust will heal you. Then it does.
Compliments of a fellow traveller, sweet sounds, and thoughts from the road.
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