Musicians: Preetha Narayanan (violin, vocals) Ben Hazleton (double bass)
Sometimes the best and most memorable gigs happen in unusual settings and when you least expect it. As a professional musician and performer, it has been only natural to aspire to be on bigger and grander stages as time goes by – the ongoing hustle and bustle of ‘making it’. After years of performing, I took a bit of time this Autumn to slow down, reflect, and be more selective about opportunities to re-prioritise. I absolutely love what I do, but as wonderful as it is to share music with listeners and audiences far and wide, sometimes it can feel like the music and even musicians themselves are a commodity and simply there for entertainment – just another fleeting experience like any other night out and sadly at the expense of deep connection, and the deeper power of music.
The day spent at Bridgeside Lodge reminded me of the unlimited possibilities, potential, and purity of the musical experience, that inexplicable connection that happens not through words but through sound, melodies and rhythm. Going in with Ben Hazleton, double bassist, is always exciting; we are two musicians who can soar across different musical languages, play tunes impromptu, and improvise freely together. This makes for a great combination when it comes to the diversity and diverse needs of the Bridgeside residents, where we see regular faces and new ones.
We first went to J’s room, where after trialling out some Classical pieces by Corelli, we jammed out some reggae tunes at request. This is a favourite genre of J and her partner Matt, and you could see how the familiarity of the tune plus the unusual surprise of hearing violin and bass playing such music really impacted her.
A few residents had family members and visitors, and there was a real sense of the holiday season as we saw gifts in the rooms for some or patchwork blankets with memories/loved ones’ pictures in collage. One member mentioned the financial struggles coming up to maintain residence and care—the phone call that she was waiting for eagerly and impatiently; the music in this moment she expressed calmed her anxiety and took her mind away from it even if just for a short time.
We arrived at G’s room just as she was leaving for a walk with her son and a neighbour who was visiting, and they were eager to listen so postponed the jaunt. Indian music, American folk, some Classical- all seemed to go down a storm whilst she sang along and conducted, plus her company expressed feeling calmer and joyous after our visit.
We next went into the common area, and that’s where the real magic really happened for me. Kicking off with an Elvis Presley tune, ‘Love Me Tender’ we ended up with a few folks singing along. Slowly more and more residents came in as well as staff. Even G stopped through with her son and friend and didn’t want to leave without hearing the ‘concert’. From Elvis, we transitioned to some Classical and Bluegrass; from there, Indian devotional flowed into Christmas carols. A musical journey as well as a sense of camaraderie and celebration to welcome in the holiday season. It was in this moment where I felt like I had the best gig of my life! Music with purpose, music spoken, music received. Having the chance to play with another exceptional musician, do what I love, share it with others and see the joy of making a difference, even if for a small moment, in someone else’s life.
