America?s tune carries from New York to Springfield

On the eve of Sept. 15, our city was graced with the presence of jazz trumpeter Marvin Stamm and his quartet for the Springfield Symphony's Explore the World of Jazz concert at Juanita K. Hammons Hall for the Performing Arts. My wife and I had the good fortune to attend.

The jazz quartet led by Stamm with Bill Mays on piano, Bob Bowman playing bass and Todd Strait on drums hails from our nation's beloved state of New York. Amid the tragedy and sorrow of their hometown, these musicians made the journey in the name of music just four days after the horrific attacks on their city.

It wasn't easy, either, as nothing seems to be these days. The trip took the musicians from New York's La Guardia Airport which they learned was still closed to Hartford, Conn. a five-hour car ride for a flight to Kansas City International Airport. From there, the fearsome foursome drove another three hours, finally arriving at the University Plaza Hotel at 3:30 a.m. Sept. 15.

The night began with a moment of silence for the victims of terrorism and their families. Then Springfield vocalist Jane Munson Berg beautifully performed an inspirational "Star-Spangled Banner" and a rousing rendition of "God Bless America" to conclude the pre-concert ceremony and set the stage for what was to come.

On little rest, these New York musicians and the Springfield Symphony magnificently performed the works of Duke Ellington and others, a piece from the Broadway musical "Man of La Mancha" and some originals written by Stamm and Mays. Kudos to these gentlemen, who embodied the New York spirit and determination as outlined by the city's leader, Mayor Rudolph Giuliani. They did not succumb to the devastation surrounding them, but continued to play their music.

For them, jazz is a safe haven, a place of rest and comfort. Music uplifts and soothes the soul; music unites, especially in times of sorrow. All of the above was evident on that evening of jazz here in Springfield. This night, the music was a form of healing for both those playing and those listening.

Stamm calls improvisation "the language with which jazz musicians converse with one another." It seemed as though their improvisational notes carried these musicians away from the world they left less than 24 hours earlier. The musicians expressed it and the audience sensed it. It turned out to be a night that not only jazz music prevailed, but also humanity. These individuals are an inspiration and example to us all. They touched us by simply doing what they do, what President Bush is now urging America to do.

The recent return of late night television and professional sports is a clear example of this coping attitude.

In Jay Leno's opening monologue during his Sept. 18 return of "The Tonight Show," he said, "We're not trying to make anyone forget. We're just trying to take their mind off of it. ... President Bush has told us to try and get back to our lives."

David Letterman was commended by his guests that same night. "Your coming back here is helping," Bryant Gumbel told Letterman. "People can help by getting back to what they do."

So, in the American way, we are slowly creeping back to normalcy. Even if it is only for stints of time like that Saturday night at Juanita K. Hammons Hall.

On that night, Marvin Stamm, Bill Mays, Bob Bowman, Todd Strait, the Springfield Symphony and its conductor Apo Hsu gave Springfield just what we needed: a song and a smile. They all were, in a small way, heroes in this tough situation.

And friends, God WILL bless America if we only let Him.