The night felt more like being at Yoshi’s in Jack London Square in Oakland than the Chapel of the Rosary in San Quentin State Prison. Lee Jaspar, accompanied by members of The Jazz Band, Dwight Krizman and Greg Dixon, played “Theta Bop,” an up-tempo original song to close an exciting night of beginning and accomplished pianist recitals.
“I’m sending this program home to my nieces and nephews,” said inmate James Parker, who attended the Aug. 3 recital. “I want them to know that even in a place like this, something beautiful can come out of dark places.”
Instructor Trish Allred opened the evening with introductions and commented, “I am so excited! Many of them are doing their own pieces that they wrote themselves. It is great that they are ready to show everyone what they can do. I am so proud of them.” Allred is a professional pianist who has been teaching piano lessons at The Q for the past two years.
Community Resource Manager Steve Emrick said, “I approached Trish, who was a volunteer in the chapel; I talked her into teaching piano. Within two weeks, she had papers out, and the people were working. I want to thank her for volunteering and putting extra time into this.”
Then Jaspar presented Allred with a Letter of Appreciation on behalf of the entire class.
As the evening progressed, the men in blue at The Q demonstrated that music is a universal language. They did so with original pieces and “classics” including “Brothers & Sisters, Can’t You See?” (inspired by the Amala Walk two years ago), and “Love is Listening,” by Gino Servacos.” S.Q. Athletics utility baseball player Robert Tyler exhibited his dexterity by playing Fleetwood Mac’s “Songbird” and Chopin’s “Opus 9, No. 2 Nocturne.”
JulianGlenn Padgett was one of the highlights of the evening, performing two original pieces, “Beautiful Things” and “They’re Only Words.”
“I’m not warmed up, so don’t expect much,” he joked. Padgett has a soulful quality to his voice, reminiscent of award-winning singers Brian McKnight and Kem.
“Some of these gentlemen have never had a chance to express themselves musically, but I think you’ll enjoy it when they do express themselves,” Allred stated between sets. “Music is a healing source for people. It is amazing to have so much music and healing in San Quentin.”
Before his debut on the piano, Kevin Sawyer was smiling. “I feel more together than I do when I play the guitar.” Sawyer is an accomplished guitarist; however, he did Lionel Richie and The Commodores proud with his rendition of “Easy.”
Many times throughout the recital, when the pianist lost a note, the crowd became the metronome, lending their hands to provide a beat.
“I feel good, nervous, excited,” said Phillip Melendez before the recital began. “I’m ready to rock this joint, literally, because it’s the joint,” Melendez said, laughing. Melendez played a rendition of “The Scientist” by Coldplay.
Before performing Glenn Frey and Don Henley’s “Desperado,” Michael Nightingale said he felt a little anxiety as he stepped on the small stage. “I usually play guitar. This is my first for the piano.”
Joey Barnes did a rendition of Canon in D by Johann Pachelbel, a short but difficult piece with five repeating chords. Despite a few missteps, Barnes put forth a very good effort.
“I feel good,” Barnes said with a huge smile. “I was very nervous, but the creativity started to flow; it is a difficult piece.”
“I feel good,” said Nightingale after his performance. “Now I gotta learn how to sing it while I’m playing!” he said with a huge smile.
Allred performed “Wings of the Wind,” a song about God flying on cherubim wings; “Some day, we will get to fly along with Him,” she said.
Many of the 30 or so men in the room closed their eyes and flew with Allred as she sang with the voice of an angel, nodding to the smooth rhythmic sound as voice blended with keys gently caressed by an expert pianist.
The program:
Robert Tyler- Songbird (Fleetwood Mac) Opus 9, No. 2 Nocturn (Chopin)
JulianGlenn Padgett- Beautiful Things & They’re Only Words
Kevin D. Sawyer- Easy (The Commodores)
Joey Barnes- Canon in D (Johann Pachelbel)
Michael Nightingale – Desperado (Glenn Frey & Don Henley)
Gino Sevacos- Brothers & Sisters, Can’t You See & Listening
Phillip Melendez- The Scientist (Coldplay)
Michael Adams- For the Lord is Good (Terry MacAlmon)
David Jassy- When I Was Your Man (Bruno Mars)
Lee Jaspar –Theta Bop & Song for Trish
Trish Allred- Wings of the Wind & I Hear You
