Speaking to the Hubert Laws Quintet is a rather spiritual experience. Each member is an accomplished musician in his own right and yet, a conversation with them leaves you enriched and inspired by the humility and passion with which they view their craft. And when they are together, whether it is at a concert or just chilling backstage, the band members complement each other like the different notes in a melody.
Flautist Hubert Laws has John Leftwich on bass and cello, Rob Mullins on the keyboard, Carlos Cuevas on the piano and keyboards and drummer Land Richards as part of the quintet. They had recently performed in Bengaluru, which was in the city at Windmills a while ago.
The Quintet has been able to connect with audiences around the world effortlessly. Rob Mullins says, “Hubert combined classical music with funk, rock, jazz, Caribbean and South African music into a unique sound. That was his vision of different worlds working together musically.”
Being part of this distinguished band, entails hours of hard work, he admits. However, despite hours of practice, the Quintet derives its inspiration from its audience. “Every concert is unique and we react to the audience differently, all the while communicating with each other. That is something we can’t factor during rehearsals,” says John Leftwich, adding, “It is an incredible experience to give up individual will to the group will and be part of the overall chemistry.”
“Concerts are different every time. It keeps changing because it’s a musical conversation and the music serves as a roadmap,” says Land Richards, the newest entrant to this group which has been around for the past 30 years. “We know where we are going and on the way there, we have this incredible conversation.”
Hubert admits that while they have scripted notes, “80% of what we do is as spontaneous as talking. I no longer close my eyes while performing because I want to create a rapport and interact with the audience. They may not know what they are hearing, but they experience a degree of satisfaction.”
Picking up on that note, Carlos Cuevas says, “You do better because other band members are doing better, and the audience gauges it. It’s a self-fulfilling activity — you hear people doing their best and it motivates you to do your best too, from the first note to the last.”
John firmly believes there are no mistakes in a live performance. “All those little ‘incidents’ add to the music and cause a reaction that is magical. There is a beautiful chaos when you are creating something new and when you do that, everyone feels it.”
Mistakes are a clear indication of our humanity, adds Carlos. “In order for the music to transcend to the audience, it must first make sense to us. That’s where lots of listening to your band mates comes in; you listen to your bandmates and react, which translates to the music,” Carlos elaborates.
The Quintet which has recorded with some of the greatest names in jazz history, is very down-to-earth regarding its vocation. “The realisation is truly daunting — that it is breath from our Creator — which makes us who we are. We are just conduits to channelise what’s been given us. We need to look to the source of that breath and give credit there, instead of taking it for ourselves,” says Hubert.
“One must hold relationships above material possessions. In the final reckoning that is what counts. I am blessed to be able to play music that I was inspired to write. It was breathed on me to be able to do that. That which inspires us is something spiritual, something bigger than us,” he adds.
All the artists, musicians, painters, writers and creative people of the world interact and exchange ideas through their work, believes John. “That’s our function in society. We share ideas to foster better understanding in the world. The more that happens in the world, the better it is for humanity. It is a privilege to be a part of that world, It is a responsibility, but also a joy in knowing we are part of the solution rather than the problem,” says John.
We come through the history of musicians that came before us. We internalise it and take it forward, making it relevant to next generation. – John Leftwich
People need to be more discerning in their tastes where sights and sounds are concerned. You can close your eyes, but it is harder to blot out sounds. This selectivity is important as that is how we feed our souls - through our eyes and ears. – Hubert Laws
