One of the very special things about living in Montreal and having such a wealth of local talent to tap when the mood strikes is the fact that often a very special performance will happen at a less known venue with little or no fanfare. The secret show is not only fun for anyone that gets to go to it, but to discuss later with everyone who went to the usual place – again. Last night’s performance from Anna Webber was very much of the “you should have been there” variety.
In town for just a few days and then back to Manhattan for teaching, learning and lots of playing, Anna is a prolific Montreal tenor sax player, notable for her excellent playing, but also her complicated and fascinating compositions. She plays both the flute and the sax at different times in different songs, which evokes a feel that anyone who lives here will understand, having conversed with someone in French and English at the same time, depending on which sentence was being uttered.
The show began with a new tune from the album currently being recorded. The trumpet and sax opened with a guitar and drums, which could have evoked a feeling of floating over an abyss without a robust bass. Could have, but instead of falling they simply soared together, the brass swirling with tings from the drums until the tenor took the lead to guide the melodies to their natural destinations.
Perfectly executed, Anna’s well-guided flights are known to her fans and other musicians. She is a natural leader and it’s easy to see her quartet pushing themselves for the best possible sounds they can bring to her textured compositions. In particular, the trumpet could easily compete with a flute and even the sax, but the brass complemented each other through standards and new tunes.
The new songs, and some of her older tunes, go at their own pace: now pausing, now running to catch up with each other. At times melancholy, at times playful, always percussive and deeply melodic, Anna’s tunes wind their own paths so that even when you feel lost in the different melodies in one tune, the parts reveal themselves as many paths to the same conclusion. And the sound of all instruments reaching that harmonious place is deeply satisfying.
Usually everyone claps for an amazing solo, but at this intimate space, there weren’t many of us and we were so carried away we sat in awe and pleasure and clapped at the end as the tunes closed. There’s no other way to appreciate Anna but to watch her whole body get into the music she’s playing. Her flute at times mimicked a harmonium and carried an authority with it not often heard from such an insouciant instrument.
Anna’s newest album is being recorded over this week, so it will be available sometime next year. In the meantime, glue yourself to the holiday calendars for the next live treat from Ms. Webber, sometime this November.
For further details on Anna Webber, her music and her upcoming shows, check out www.annakristinwebber.com.
