Picture this, four time World Series champion centerfielder from the New York Yankees performing in concert at a town near you. That is exactly what the quiet and pleasant town of Ridgefield, Connecticut was able to experience this past weekend. Yankees fans, jazz fans, and music lovers alike made their way to the suburban neighborhood’s theater to see another side of Bernie Williams. One may think this is a hobby, something he picked up once he retired from baseball, not so. Bernie Williams became involved with music perhaps simultaneously with when he picked up a baseball bat. You will find out more about that in our upcoming main feature one on one interview with the Grammy nominated musician himself. Let’s continue to the show.

The stage is set with a large array of instruments and microphones from bongo drums to keyboards, with some guitars in between. The backdrop is a shade of red. Bernie enters the stage, the theater is packed as the show was sold out. He begins with the title track from his newest cd, Moving Forward. Then after each song he gives a little anecdote about the next song or just simply talks to the audience. This was a nice touch. The audience really seemed to connect with the mild-mannered and shy musician.  They were in for a superb performance.

The music is the type that you can listen to repeatedly as most of it is instrumental only ( a few of the songs were covers which Eren Cannata lent his wonderful vocal talents to).  This music is perfect to listen to as the instrumental notes dance on the stage and into your heart.

Let’s take a look at the highlights and lowlights of Bernie Williams : In Concert.

Highlights

Bernie Williams at the Ridgefield Playhouse credit: Feeling the Vibe 

Broad sweep: The music. Bernie Williams’s music has the capacity to engage the ear and stimulate the mind in a way that puts it at ease but still challenges it by the syncopated rhythmic changes and fancy fingerwork.  Extraordinary musician.

Humble. Bernie Williams is one of the most humble athlete/musician/celebrities you will meet. He began his concert off by saying, “God has taken me on a wonderful journey, I’m very excited about it all.”  He has quite the background in music being classically trained from an early age (8).  You can see his training has created a passionate musician with great skills.  The wonder and passionate expressions he portrays while performing give the audience a glimpse into his musical world. 

Richie Cannata’s saxophone playing was a definite highlight. The sound of the saxophone has a way of solidifying the band while standing out at the same time giving the melodic sounds.  He leads the band with his presence and talents as he also has quite the musical background (Beach Boys and Billy Joel).

Funny story. Bernie came to the “Stranded on a Bridge” number and he laughed as he wanted to tell the story behind the title of the song. One might think it’s metaphoric in some nature, however, it’s actually quite literal. You’ll have to go to the show to find out just what it means!

Addicted to You.  This song is not about an addiction to a person, but rather to baseball for Bernie.  Addicted to You is about Bernie’s feelings after leaving baseball.  You could feel the deep felt emotions from the melodic sounds.

Competition Playing. Many times Bernie wouldn’t just play alone but would almost have a competition with some of

Bernie Williams and Eren Cannata Credit: Feeling the Vibe 

 his bandmates. Since there’s a baseball history here, we thought it was only right to describe this playing as a “competition.” The intensity in a number of songs between the musicians was a sight to see. You’ll have to go and see for yourself.

Fly Like an Eagle. Eren Cannata’s vocals gave this song the right edge, he sounded strong and the crowd was definitely enjoying everything.  The rhythms in this song also had you moving in your seat.

Favorite song of the night. There were a lot of great sounds, but “Moving Forward” seemed to pique our ears the most. The combination of the brass with Bernie’s guitar supported by the drum beats all melted into one another nicely. Each instrument had its time to shine while keeping with the jazz sounds. Bernie’s guitar solo was once again crisp in the fingerwork and at the same time emotional.

Fall Rhythms… or “El Ritmo del Otono” was a song that definitely told a story. Listen to this song and close your eyes, you will feel as though you are walking through a peaceful park just observing the wonders of nature, the romance of the colorful leaves. Bernie’s guitar playing speaks to you.

Lowlights

Length.  As with any show that you very much enjoy, you don’t want it to end.   We wanted it to be longer and so did the “Hall of Fame” shouting audience.

credit: Feeling the Vibe 

Piano. We wish there was a little more interaction in the concert between Bernie and the keyboardist. Guitar and piano tend to sound very interesting together.

Bernie’s God given journey through music is one that is certain to bring him many blessings as he shares this music with everyone. We’re excited to see what more he can produce as he experiences his musical career and learns from those around him. As long as he stays true to his music and himself, the music will continue to flow from his heart.  What an extraordinary show and fantastic band.

Catch Bernie in concert near you and as long as you have a good “Bernie Baseball” chant or two in you (just kidding), then check out his tour dates at www.berniewilliams.com and pick up his cd, “Moving Forward.”