Wow!” “Breathtaking!” “I wish I had heard music like that as a kid!” These were just some of the reactions shared by those who attended the Larry Long and friends’ performance on August 17 at the Danish American Center, Minneapolis. This was the first in a series of concerts entitled, “Music on the Mississippi” organized by Danish American Center members Scott Thomsen and Paul Juhl.
Larry Long, a local social activist and internationally known singing troubadour invited four other friends and local jazz performers to join him in a 90-minute concert: Scott Fultz-saxophone; Jacqueline Ultan-cello; Will Kjeer-piano; Billy Peterson-bass. Regarded as one of the world’s top bassist, Billy Peterson has worked with numerous top musicians including being a member of the Steve Miller Band for over 20 years. And Will Kjeer has just received a full ride to The Juilliard School in New York. These are talented performers. What a treat to have them at the DAC!
Most of the songs they played were composed by Long, some were performed for the first time. Drawing from themes of nature that included butterflies, rivers and beauty, his life affirming lyrics could have come from a Grundtvig text. The heartfelt piano, bass, sax and cello contributed to the intricate healing music for the soul. Truly a night to remember.
Story by Diane Greve, Minnesota Local Editor
