Capital University’s Religion Department and Conservatory of Music are coming together to present a series of two special concerts entitled “Soul Searching.” These concerts examining the intersection between jazz and spirituality will be held at Capital’s Huntington Recital Hall and are free and open to the public. On Monday, November 28th, at 7pm, the Dick Sisto Trio will perform the original music that composer, vibraphonist and educator Sisto wrote for Soul Searching, the PBS documentary about Catholic monk and writer Thomas Merton, whom Sisto knew in the 60’s. The trio will also perform some of Merton’s favorite classic jazz tunes which Sisto became aware of through their relationship. Sisto will be accompanied by drummer Bob Breithaupt and bassist Roger Hines, both members of the Capital faculty jazz group Spectrum. On Tuesday, November 29th, at 8pm, Capital student L. Samuel Gracida will present a recital of the “Music of Mary Lou Williams and John Coltrane.” Guitarist and composer Gracida will be joined by an ensemble of Steven Sinclair (saxophone), Will Ash (drums), Devon Murray (bass), Julian Dittmer (piano), and John Carey (recitation of poems). Keep reading for more details from Gracida along with a few videos:
Gracida: “My recital will be the culmination of an independent study I got to do with Stan Smith and Dr. David Belcastro, two of the finest educators and mentors I’ve ever met. Originally entitled Jazz and Spirituality, throughout this semester I researched and explored how ‘Jazz’ and ‘Spirituality’ are related as reflected in the music and life of John Coltrane and Mary Lou Williams. For the recital I will be playing tribute to Coltrane and Mary Lou, but I will also be presenting my response to the topic in the form of my own compositions. Studying theologian Thomas Merton was also instrumental in the study and will be reflected in the use of his poems in my recital.”