By Dirk Langeveld

WESTPORT — Chris Brubeck isn’t about to give up a second chance to perform in a space filled with artwork inspired by the type of music he plays.

Brubeck’s group Triple Play will perform a concert at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, May 19th at MoCA\CT. This event follows his request to return to the venue after another of his ensembles, the Brubeck Brothers Quartet, played at the museum on April 12th.

“We’ve played hundreds of concerts at festivals around the world,” said Brubeck. “But coming back to this specific space in Connecticut, surrounded by such compelling expressive art, makes this show particularly special.” 

The concert will take place alongside the exhibition Art, Jazz + The Blues, which explores the intersections between visual art, jazz, and the blues. Brubeck said he was impressed by the exhibition when he saw it during a Brubeck Brothers Quartet performance in the museum, and quickly let museum staff know that his second touring group would be an even better fit for the venue.

A prolific Connecticut-based career

Brubeck grew up in California before moving with his family to Wilton in the 1960s. He originally lived on Newtown Turnpike, just two miles from MoCA\CT’s present day location.

“Going back to MoCA was like going home for me,” he said. “I was 10 years old when I lived on that road.”

Brubeck is the son of Dave Brubeck, widely recognized as a pioneer of the cool jazz musical style. His group, the Dave Brubeck Quartet, is best known for their iconic single “Take Five,” the bestselling jazz single of all time. 

Four of Dave’s sons became professional musicians in their own right, and Chris’s musical career dates back to his youth. He recalled how some of his first professional jobs were playing for his older brother’s group, which required special permission since he was only 11 at the time.

Today, Brubeck lives in Danbury but maintains a busy touring schedule. He plays with both Triple Play and the Brubeck Brothers Quartet, the latter of which features his brother Dan as well as pianist Chuck Lamb and guitarist Mike DeMicco. Brubeck has also composed numerous pieces as a solo artist, including a trombone concerto, and was nominated for a Grammy Award for the orchestral piece “Ansel Adams: America,” which he co-wrote with Dave.

Brubeck estimates that he performs about 50 concerts a year. He maintains a close connection to the Fairfield County region, including a longstanding concert series at the Wilton Library where a performance space is named for his family.

“It keeps me busy, operating in all of these musical spheres, but they all kind of connect,” he said.

A meeting of art and music

Art, Jazz + The Blues opened at MoCA\CT on Feb. 26th. A collaboration with Westport Public Art Collections, it features dozens of pieces that depict musicians, were inspired by musical themes, or explore the connections between visual art and music.

The exhibition is anchored by Giants of the Blues, a series of seven group portraits by Westport native Eric von Schmidt. One of the leading folk musicians in the genre’s popular emergence in the late 1950s and early 1960s, von Schmidt also earned recognition for an artistic career, including the creation of many notable album covers.

Brubeck said he considered it particularly inspiring to perform in the midst of von Schmidt’s artwork, which itself depicts a number of musical greats.

“It feels like you’re looking at the musical ghost of the people we all stand on the shoulders of,” he said.

While the performance by the Brubeck Brothers Quartet was a success, he considered that Triple Play would offer an experience that aligned more with the vibe of the exhibition. He was eager for an opportunity to return before the exhibition’s last day on June 7th. MoCA\CT was happy to give it to him.

“Triple Play’s Blues and American roots music will create a magical ‘call and response’ with the artwork,” said Robin Jaffee Frank, executive director of MoCA\CT. “We hope you’ll join us for a dynamic and joyful celebration of art, music, and community!”

A swinging performance in store

In addition to Brubeck, Triple Play features Peter “Madcat” Ruth on harmonica and Joel Brown on guitar. Brubeck himself alternates between piano, fretless bass, and trombone. All three members of the band lend their vocal talent as well. 

Brubeck and Ruth have been touring and recording together since 1969. Brubeck met Brown after he joined Crofut & Brubeck, a group he formed with banjo player Bill Crofut. After Crofut’s death in 1999, Ruth joined Brubeck and Brown to form Triple Play.

Ruth is a Grammy-winning musician who has mastered 40 different types of harmonica as well as the ukulele and percussion. Brubeck described Brown as both an electric and acoustic guitarist who “swings like crazy.”

While the performance by the Brubeck Brothers Quartet was more jazz-centered, Triple Play’s set will be focused more on the blues.

“I’m just positive that the audience is going to get their socks knocked off,” said Brubeck.
Tickets for the concert are $50 for general admission and $40 for students and seniors, with discounts available for MoCA\CT members. Tickets are expected to sell out quickly, and are available here.

Triple Play

Tuesday, May 19
7:00 pm (doors at 6:30 p.m.)
MoCA\CT
19 Newtown Turnpike
Westport

Dirk Langeveld

^{_{Dirk Langeveld has worked as a news reporter, content marketing specialist, and freelance writer. He is the author of “The Artful Dodger: The 20-Year Pursuit of World War I Draft Dodger Grover Cleveland Bergdoll” and has contributed to several books on Connecticut history.}}