While my bailiwick is classical music, I enjoy multiple music styles: jazz, blues, and even pop music. Last Saturday the Millbrook Winery hosted a fundraiser for the NAMM Foundation which supports music programs in schools across the country. After retirement from his legendary career with the New York Yankees, Bernie (five times an All-star with a .297 batting average with a Golden Glove award) was one of the most effective lobbyists in our nation’s capital who pushed to get federal funding for the NAMM Foundation. All profits from the well-attended concert went to the NAMM Foundation which supports music education in schools in Dutchess County.
Born Bernabé Williams Figueroa, Jr. in Puerto Rico, Williams played classical guitar at the age of seven and thought he might have a career as a musician, yet the money-making rhythm of his life was his batting and fielding with the Yankees (1991-2006). He now enjoys a second career with his band, which plays a varied assortment of pop music.
Bernie and his band play several times a year at the Millbrook Winery, and he has created a new series of wines with the winery: Cabernet, Pinot Noir, and Chardonnay, which have had national success.
The band opened with “African Blues,” a composition by Williams where Williams on electric guitar and Erik Piza on percussion excelled. With “El Rimo de Otono” (The Return of Autumn”) a massive fog blew through the winery as lightning flashes appeared to echo Williams’ guitar. “Layla” brought singer-keyboardist Dan Orlando to the fore with expert backing by drummer Joe Piteo. “Red, Red Wine,” a traditional folk favorite, allowed Dan Orlando’s voice to shine with bass guitar backing from Kip Sophos.
“La Salsa en Mi,’” another Williams composition, delivered strong salsa rhythm with acid rock solos on Williams’ guitar that set up exciting contrasts.
To slow the pace Orlando sand and played keyboard with “In Your Eyes” by Peter Gabriel who said the song lyrics can either “refer to a romantic relationship or a divine one between the listener and God.” After this elevation, all players were unified in “Mercy, Mercy, Mercy,” (1966), a noted jazz piece composed for Cannonball Adderley; here William’s guitar appropriated the role of Adderly’s alto-sax. “I Wish” (1976) was a big hit for Stevie Wonder and brought the focus to childhood where the love of music first begins, an appropriate end to the set.
After Intermission Mary Leuhrsen, who worked closely with Williams to create the NAMM Foundation spoke of their struggle to bring music to local schools. (Donald Trump says he wants to end such educational programs.) Local pianist Larry Ham led a quartet with Williams on guitar, high-school students Gionna Amodeo on drums and Michael Schiavulli on tenor sax, thrilling the audience with “Watermelon Man.” Each of the four players performed a solo. I was especially impressed with the tone and nuance of Michael’s horn playing and I expect to hear him somewhere again….
The band played five more numbers, my favorite being “You Can Call Me Al.” The Finale encore was, of course, “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” as a singalong.
I was impressed by Dan Orlando (who began playing piano at 6). After the concert, I spoke to him. He has a pleasant voice that can carry deep emotion. He told me his favorite pianist was Oscar Peterson, followed by Herbie Hancock, and, of course, Bill Evans. I hope to hear more of Orlando, who sometimes plays piano at Manhattan venues. Orlando will be playing at the 350 Bistro in Springfield, MA, on August 23rd.
The Millbrook Winery on Wing Road has a wine club and is open Monday-Thursday from noon to 5 pm; Friday from noon to 8 pm; Saturday and Sunday, noon to 6 pm. Concerts are usually on Saturday nights. Check out their website: [email protected].
