Pianist Victor Gould chats with WBGO announcer Brian Delp about Victors recent acceptance into the Thelonious Monk Institute college program.

Pianist Victor Gould chats with WBGO announcer Brian Delp about Victor's recent acceptance into the Thelonious Monk Institute college program.

After a fairly harrowing ride to Newark, at the hands of Fema, our Ukrainian van pilot, we arrived at Park Place, and WBGO.   Myron Walden, whose compositions the band has been working throughout the semester, will join the band on two tunes.  But, more importantly, he’ll offer a real-time critique of their renditions.  A gift to, and size 14 kick in the pants for, the band from mentor Darren Barrett.

Quick setup, an hour of sound check, and suddenly, it’s 2 pm.  Producer Simon Rentner counts us down, and soon announcer Brian Delp is into his introduction.  They start with Darren’s tribute to one of his mentors, Donald Byrd, “Word Dr. Byrd.”  The band’s in fine form, but probably not quite yet where they’ll be by tonight.  Jonathan, Victor, and Ilan each take an interview turn with Brian between tunes, and profess their undying love for Berklee and their professors. 😎

And, as quick as you can say “Impressions,” the hour’s over, and all hands seem pretty pleased.  Myron offers a band-only post-mortem (post-vivem?), and it’s back in the van. Lord.

Myron Walden, whose music the band has been shedding all semester, under the direction of Darren Barrett, came to the broadcast to provide additional critique, and to throw down on one of his tunes.

Myron Walden, whose music the band has been shedding all semester, under the direction of Darren Barrett, came to the broadcast to provide additional critique, and to throw down on one of his tunes.

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