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Father and son demo jazz at Hunt Library

Father and son demo jazz at Hunt Library
Shamu and Lev Sadeh demonstrated aspects of jazz at the Hunt Library Friday, July 14. 
Photo by Patrick L. Sullivan

FALLS VILLAGE — On Friday, July 14, the Falls Village Hunt Library was treated to a fascinating afternoon as local resident Shamu Sadeh and his ten-year old son Lev gave a presentation on jazz.

All profits event were donated to the Save Our Brass Foundation which teaches kids in New Orleans to play brass instruments.

Lev and Shamu began the presentation by playing several samples of popular jazz songs such as Louis Armstrong’s “When The Saints Come Marching In” and “So What” by Miles Davis and asked the crowd for their observations.

One audience member asked why there were no lyrics. “Some jazz has no words at all,” Lev responded. “A lot of Jazz melodies have a lyrical quality,” added Shamu.

Not only did the duo share their knowledge on the rich history of jazz but also showcased some of their musical abilities on the trumpet when going over the four main parts of jazz: improvisation, syncopation, blues, and polyrhythm, mentioning the latter’s roots in West African drumming.

To cap off their presentation, they recounted two trips they had taken to delve deeper into the world of jazz.

The first was to New Orleans last March to see a second line parade of brass performers where Lev was gifted with a trumpet at the Louis Armstrong Park.

The second was to Boston to attend a free music festival of street protest called Honk!

Both Shamu and Lev’s genuine admiration for jazz music and it’s history was palpable. “I got attached to jazz,” said Lev who began playing at just seven years old. “Rhythmically it’s really interesting,” Shamu added.

Ella Hewins

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