By Lerato Nomvuyo Mzamane and Simeon Moss
Cornell's fifth annual Jazz Festival was enriched last weekend by the participation of modern jazz legend McCoy Tyner.
The influential pianist joined student members of the Cornell Lab Ensembles in a collaborative evening performance April 20 in Bailey Hall.
Earlier that afternoon, Tyner joined the ensembles in an open rehearsal in Bailey Hall, to the delight of an audience of about 100. Tyner's deep, rich voice and laughter were a pleasant accompaniment, as he signed autographs, shook hands and discussed music with students during breaks.
Festival director Karlton Hester, assistant professor of music and the Herbert Gussman Director of Jazz Studies, worked with Tyner on the list of compositions he would play with ensembles members.
"It's been a long time since I played this one," Tyner said at one point, speaking of his composition Message from the Nile.
Tyner wound up playing five pieces with the students, My Favorite Things, Moment's Notice, Giant Steps, and two of his own works.
"They were thrilled," Hester said of the students' encounter with Tyner. "A lot of them hung out with him after the concert."
Born in 1938 and raised in western Philadelphia, Tyner began piano lessons at age 13, and by the time he was in junior high school, he had formed his first band. He said his mother's advocacy was an essential element in his musical growth. A beautician, she often encouraged him to play for her customers, he said.
Tyner's collaboration with ensemble members Saturday may have provided students with the same kind of impetus and challenge.
Of Tyner's music, vibraphonist Cherise Tricia Fung '97 said during the afternoon workshop: "I find it intimidating right now. We are going to try and play it. His music is very rich. Very complex. Very assertive."
But for clarinetist Elizabeth Hays '98, excitement overcame apprehension. "I find his music full of energy," she said. "I enjoy playing it because you can take it in a lot of directions."
Tyner said he hoped his visit would have a positive influence.
"If you teach at all, it is because of what you can demonstrate -- the possibilities of what can happen in any musical context." he said. "And then, you hope you can inspire."