Fred Hersch (Pt. 2)
It was just me and Dr. Cox and the two kids when Fred arrived. Dr. Belck, whose house (and kids) it was, was out getting ice. He had graciously decided to host a few students and faculty to welcome Fred when he got into Columbus, and as a result I got to hear Fred Hersch relay stories of jazz and New York for upwards of two hours. Fred seems laid back, which made the fact that he intimidated me even stranger. Rarely have I been so powerfully affected by just the presence of a person, and I’m not sure why it was this way with Fred. I felt this incredible urge to spill out my life story, to prove myself to him, to try and somehow instantly be a part of his circle, and simultaneously, knowing this would be a big mistake, felt an urge to just cool it, lay back, and listen. These instincts mixed and fought and resulted in a kind of awed silence as he spoke, even though this wasn’t some kind of lecture, but a dinner with old (and new) friends.
I’m writing this on my way out the door for day two of his visit. Today he’s teaching a few Capital classes, giving a masterclass, and perhaps some lessons. If I am fortunate enough to get one of those lessons, I’ll have the tape recorder running.
More to come.
