Ben’s Berklee Bash

Ben’s Recital Observations and Reflections

Prelude:

I recently had the pleasure of attending an intriguing concert, or rather of listening in virtually, like a fly on the back wall of a stage at Berk Hall on Boylston Street in Boston.  This was a recital produced and performed by Ben Fig and five of his cohorts upon his master’s graduation from the Berklee College of Music, Global Jazz Institute.

Ben, it should be noted, is a friend of mine. Our association began when he enrolled as a shy 12-year-old drum student in our Jazz Arts Academy program here in Red Bank, NJ.  As director of the nonprofit program, I occasionally encounter a student who is destined (or cursed, depending on your perspective) for a lifelong career in music. Many who learn to play music in high school and college go on to other careers, but they benefit from such transformational experiences and a lifelong love for music. 

The benefits of music training are well documented.  According to the National Institutes of Health, music training offers profound, measurable benefits that span cognitive, physical, and emotional development. It strengthens brain function—boosting memory and executive function—and refines motor skills through the precise coordination required. Emotionally, it provides an outlet for expression and helps reduce stress. These are all distinct qualities and advantages that point to success in any other field of endeavor. We’ve seen this so many times with students blossoming from shy, tentative attempts into confident, mature young men and women, not only playing music but also navigating college and that scary grown-up world after graduation.  Ben Fig emerged as one of those talented and dedicated students destined, as they say, for greatness.  We became friends through many years of concerts, events, and family interactions, not to mention our mutual obsession with coffee.  When he got himself into the prestigious Berklee College of Music on a full scholarship, I couldn’t have been more proud of him.

Showtime:

In a performance that was as much a celebration of camaraderie as it was a display of academic achievement, Ben Fig’s master’s graduation recital at Berk Hall in Boston offered a compelling look at the next generation of jazz talent. Though, as Ben later pointed out to the audience, a recital is not technically required for the degree, he opted to stage the event to honor his musical influences and perform the music that he loves with the people he loves to perform with.

From my secret virtual perch, I encountered a darkened theater stage with the silhouette of audience members down front. The stage was lit with that respectful stage lighting, illuminating a modest curtained backdrop and the unattended instruments that will soon come alive with some very inspiring creative music. Most noticeable and formidable was a grand piano with the lid raised high. Then I noticed a few black music stands, some small amplifiers, a guitar proudly sitting on its stand, and a string bass lying on its side as if taking a last-minute nap, relaxing a bit before going to work. And far to the side, stage left, was a sparkling golden drum set complete with shiny chrome hardware and suspended cymbals lying in wait for the main event. This was Ben’s show, his performance showcasing his years of study, his proof perfecting his art, and his emergence into the world of professionals. You would think he would place the drums at center stage and lead it as the star of the show. No, this was Ben. he set the stage in a traditional manner, emphasizing the whole idea he went on to prove, that the whole idea was to perform together as a group, a vehicle of camaraderie, mutual exploration, and musical communication.  You could hear the muted murmurs of the audience and feel the anticipation in the air for several minutes before the musicians took to the stage.

An Empathetic and High-Energy Ensemble

The personnel for the evening featured a robust lineup, including Louis Stringer and Sterlyn Termine on bass, Jiayi Guo on piano, Fall Raye on soprano sax, Jean Strauss on tenor sax, Aki Oliviero on guitar, and Ben Fig leading from the drums. It was evident from the very first notes that they all loved being on stage at this event and took the job at hand quite seriously.  This was not a perfunctory performance; Not one of the performers “phoned it in”; they all brought their A-game and followed Ben’s lead and energy to deliver an engaging, stellar performance.

The whole group engaged in a respectful and innovative musical conversation. The rhythm section was particularly sharp, maintaining a deep groove while allowing for "extreme musical empathy" and deference among the players. The drum solos throughout showed real maturity and sensitivity, though never without energy and/or humor.

Highlights from the Repertoire

The program balanced jazz tradition with modern, original compositions:

• "Edda" by Wayne Shorter: Ben humorously noted that playing a Shorter tune feels like an unwritten requirement at the Global Jazz Institute. In fact, he said you might fail if you don't include at least one.

• Hushes when they wake, by Jiayi Guo

A sophisticated exploration that juxtaposed impressionism, minimalism, and free-form jazz.

• Silly Billy by Fall Raye

Living up to its title, this tune is a walk across a tightrope of rhythms and harmonic structure. Lots of room for creative energy for improvisation, providing ample space for creative and awkward-yet-fun improvisation.

•  "River way" (Jean Strauss): 

This modern jazz ballad featured a mysterious, subtle dialogue at first between tenor sax and guitar, then between bass and drums, and finally, a guitar solo with the introspection and revelation that brings jazz into the realm of intellectuals.  The tune evolves into an all-too-brief laid-back groove at the very end, leaving us wanting more yet oddly satiated. It is that dichotomy that encompasses this tune's success.

Ben Fig’s own voice as a composer and drummer was central to the evening’s success. Two of his originals provided the emotional anchors for the recital:

• Rugged Individualism, By Ben Fig

Ben introduced this next tune as “a parody of musical individualism.  What would selfishness sound like?”

The piece began with a shuffle groove—a clear nod to one of Ben’s mentors, the legendary Bernard “Pretty” Purdie. The tune moved on to that selfish indignation he mentioned. Stepping from one musical indulgence to another. It evokes the feeling of growing up and finally getting your own apartment: you realize you can do or eat anything you want, whenever you want, and then you go out and do just that, overindulging… until you get sick.

• Retrospect, by Ben Fig

This tune, according to Fig, is about reflection. Depending on your perspective, one might wonder how much a young college grad has to reflect on. The music indeed does invoke reflection. It is perhaps a quiet journey of personal growth. Listening to this tune, I can imagine being alone in a faraway land, wondering how I got there and where I am going now. It is beautiful, contemplative, if not a bit sad, but with hope that says “we will endure.” I guess reflection and retrospective awareness are relative, and not limited to how many years or experiences are involved, but rather the inner feeling of one's own journey, no matter where on that path you find yourself.

Overall, the recital was an engaging and stellar performance that showcased Fig's ability to lead an ensemble with both energy and intellectual depth.  It was defined by themes of community, personal reflection, and a parody of individualism, expressed through a diverse range of jazz styles.

Congrats to Ben Fig upon his graduation from that prestigious Master's program at the Global Jazz Institute. We wish him all the success in the world and expect great things from Ben as he enters the new stage of his career.