An American in Paris
Francois Rabbath changed the way people look at and regard the double bass. While the bass was widely considered a purely orchestral instrument when Rabbath was growing up in the mid-20th century, he played it in such a way that proved it could be considered a solo and virtuoso instrument, like its violin cousin.
Rabbath, now in his 80s, still performs and teaches today and in a few weeks, he’ll take on another student from right here in Central New York. Jordan Morton, the enthusiastic apprentice, will travel to Paris on the Harriett Hale Woolley scholarship, a privately funded award given to only four artists and/or musicians each year. She will study with the upright bass legend for nine months.
Morton will hold a fundraising concert on Sunday, Sept. 23, 2 p.m., at the Art Shops at the Delavan Center (formerly the Delavan Art Gallery), 501 W. Fayette St. There is a suggested donation of at least $10, which will contribute to Morton’s travel and living expenses, not covered by the scholarship.
Morton, 22, who graduated from Ithaca College in May, is an accomplished violinist and double bassist who recently finished touring with the Secret Swing Society, a group of vibrant young acoustic musicians. Although Morton began with violin as a child, she moved to bass in high school and was primarily self-taught.
“My music teacher was on sabbatical and the substitute didn’t know which instrument I played, so I just picked up the bass one rehearsal,” Morton recalls. “I felt like a punk! I like being the chick playing bass.”
She experimented with electric bass in a ska band in high school and branched into jazz and classical, always holding onto and using her violin and vocal talents as well. Although Morton enjoys the feeling of being “a punk,” she’s very much a polished professional, noticeable in both her speech and playing, and confirmed by her great honor of studying with one of the most important bassists on the planet.
“Many of my mentors have studied with him {Rabbath} and in his tradition,” Morton explains. “I feel that I’m following in their footsteps. I’m lucky to have the chance. The most amazing thing about this guy is when you hear him play up close and in person, the sound quality he creates is unbelievable, full and soaring and gorgeous and intense and totally unprecedented on the double bass.”
During the benefit, Morton will perform with Ithaca College colleagues Ethan Jodziewicz on bass and guitar, Damien Scalise on guitar and drummer Will Sigel. For more information, call 383-7398.
Tunes on Tipp Hill
Now celebrating its sixth year, the annual Tipp Hill Music Fest will also celebrate two long-standing Tipperary Hill acts with strong ties to the area. The Tom Dooley Choraliers are celebrating their 50th anniversary and The DeSantis Orchestra is celebrating an incredible 65 years of musicmaking.
Tunes will fill Pass Arboretum (across from the Avery/Salisbury/Whittier Ave./Burnet Park entrance) from noon to 7 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 22. The lineup boasts an impressive mix of local talent aboard three separate stages, including The Tipp Hillbillies, Perry-Mulhauser Band, The Z-Bones, Tim Herron Corporation, Two Hour Delay, Maka Rouge, Master Thieves, White Picket Fence, The Easy Ramblers and more.
A music scholarship will be awarded to a deserving young musician. And two artists with ties to the neighborhood, Jack Murray and Dennis Heaphy, will be honored with Tipperary Hill Music Festival Legacy Awards. The free festival also features a children’s area and arts and crafts. For more information, visit tipphillmusicfest.org or call 481-6243.
—Jessica Novak
