In case you’re ever looking for musical paradise, it’s down a winding lane in Champaign, Illinois. GPS units are of no use in magical places, but you can find the right house by all the roses blooming around the mailbox.
We made a pilgrimage to Champaign last weekend on a quest for a vibraphone for our son Thomas. Thomas started playing the school’s set of vibes last summer and by January it was clear he needed a set of his own.
Vibraphones, however, aren’t easy to come by. We did find a couple of music stores that thought they could order one, and one dealer even located a couple of top-end instruments that were being sold by a college. These vibraphones originally cost $8,000 each so even though they were being offered for much less, they were way out of our price range. So I sent out feelers among musicians I know and waited for something to develop.
In March the Arts Council presented the internationally-acclaimed duo Acoustic Eidolon, featuring Joe Scott on 14-string guitar and his wife, Hannah on ‘cello. After their concert we told them about Thomas’ interest in the vibes and the difficulties we were having finding an affordable set. Hannah proceeded to tell us that her dad had a set that he might be willing to sell.
Hannah was kind enough to contact her father Richard about this, and he soon got in touch. He’d had his set since the early 60s when he’d studied with vibes master Terry Gibbs in New York City, and I wasn’t sure he really wanted to part with them. Every musical instrument has its own personality and in time becomes an extension of its owner. But he seemed to understand that Thomas was serious about playing the vibes so he took the opportunity to “pass the torch” to a new generation.
After 600 miles on the road Richard met Thomas at the door by saying “Welcome to the beginning of your new life!” The vibes sat glistening in the middle of a room surrounded by a harpsichord, two vintage Gibson guitars, lots of sheet music and CDs, and a Bosendorfer grand piano. Bosendorfer is generally considered the finest piano made, and has extra keys at the low end.
Richard is a remarkable man in many ways – talented, warm, intelligent, and kind. But most of all, Richard has managed to stay young. It was evident in his eyes the moment we saw him, and came through clearly as he played.
Our visit was very much a “passing of the torch.” Richard not only sold his beloved instrument to us (he told it goodbye before we left), he took a lot of time teaching Thomas how to improvise the blues. Thomas’ life won’t ever be the same, and Lori and I will be forever grateful for the time, care and patience Richard showed him.
It was great jamming with Richard but the high point came when Richard played solo piano. He started with an incredible jazz piece he’d written and finished with Ravel’s famously difficult Ondine.
I’ve been blessed to hear many fine musicians in my life, but none finer than Richard (maybe it’s because he’s kept music as a passion rather than making it his profession). His every note was played with pure delight, and it was delightful to listen.
We had never had such an experience in our lives, and hope to make many more trips to Richard’s home. It was a truly magical experience and Richard was right – it was the beginning of Thomas’ new life in music.