The Fine Wine Trio's

    One of the few things in life capable of transcending the barriers of culture, religion, politics, and even language, is music. This year, another significant musical bridge was formed by the East Coast's own Fine Wine Trio--one of seven jazz trios selected by the US Department of State and the Kennedy Center to participate in the 2001 Jazz Ambassador program, wherein the seven trios tour separately around the globe.
    After a year-long selection process, the Fine Wine Trio (Gene Perla, bass, Rob Bargad, piano and vocals, and Bobby Kapp, drums and vocals) were ecstatic to learn they had been chosen for a six-week tour of Africa and the Near East. They were also grateful for their newly formed relationship with Yamaha: because of limited transport space, the trio's bassist would not be able to bring large upright instruments on tour. Yamaha's Silent Bass provided the perfect solution due to its light weight and detachable frame. It was then only natural that Kapp and Bargad would also tour with Yamaha instruments, toting a Hip Gig drum set (which breaks down and can be carried in two hands) and S30 keyboard, respectively.
    Instruments, cameras, and mosquito repellant thus packed, the three took to the air in late May, following a packed send-off concert at the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC. What followed over the next six weeks would be like nothing the group had imagined: friendly monkeys and shocking parrots, vast wealth set against grinding poverty, solar eclipses, incredible musicians, and fascinating instruments. And, food: many, many encounters with exotic delicacies. It seems that the true way to a musician's heart may actually be through his stomach!

Surprises and Delights
    Cultural differences impacted on more than just the group's culinary experiences. During the tour's first week in the Moroccan cities of Meknes and Marrakech, performances were sparsely attended due to observance of the prophet Mohammed's birthday. But the trio learned to take it all in stride, even winning extra points with audience members during a performance in Alexandria, Egypt: "As we were concluding an early number," Gene Perla recalls, "the Muslim call to prayer was played over loudspeakers throughout the city. Needless to say, we let the prayer call finish, then went on with our show, for which several guests expressed their sincere admiration."
    Scorching heat and flying pests also required a bit of adjustment for the group, the latter being the source of one of the trio's more surreal concert moments in Kisumu, Kenya. "The not-so-well-promoted concert was rather sparsely attended," Perla says. "Included in the gallant few, however, was His Worship, the Mayor of Kisumu, with posse. Filling out our tiny but loyal crowd were about three million mosquitoes." The trio, immune thanks to Bobby Kapp's Vietnam-strength insect repellent, had fun watching the dozen or so audience members slap themselves silly throughout the show.
    Whether they played for a small audience or a packed house, there was never a shortage of enthusiasm. Local residents, politicians, and a fair smattering of American expatriates thrilled to the sound stylings of the Fine Wine Trio. Several workshops were a big hit with students, as well as a performance at Nairobi's Precious Blood Girls High School. Perla recounts that event: "350 screaming high school girls! Stars at last! We felt like the Jackson 3. Bobby even had tears flowing as he announced "When You Wish Upon A Star," and told the girls they could do anything they put their minds and hearts to. After the show, they rushed the stage for autographs--and we signed all 350 of them."
    The experience was deeply moving for the group, already five weeks into the tour and having witnessed strength in the face of overwhelming adversity among the African peoples. Kapp explains how the reaction of the Kenyan students put a breathtaking perspective on the whole of their tour. "Who could not be excited by the atmosphere of Marrakech, a camel ride around the Egyptian Pyramids, or the climb to the place of sacrifice in Petra, Jordan?" he asks. "But these pale in comparison to the courage in the hearts of the African people as they struggle against many odds over which they have no control. These feelings just welled up inside me as I felt these students' hopes and dreams in Nairobi."

Music Is the Language Everyone Speaks
    Just as the travelers made positive impressions upon their audiences, they found themselves equally impressed by the musicians and their unique instruments that they had opportunity to listen to and play with.
    The locals' instruments weren't the only oddities: everywhere the trio performed, Perla's Yamaha Silent Bass drew commentary. Reaction ranged from wonder--they could hardly know what it was they were looking at--to admiration for the Silent Bass' sinuous, provocative shape. "People were just completely taken by the look of it," says Perla. "There was always a tremendous amount of interest, whatever it was we were doing."
    Differences in instruments aside, the trio also found common threads that are a part of every musician.
    "We found that no matter what the conditions--lack of instruments, funding --the musicians we met were able to persevere and prepare and perform their music," says Bargad. "It reinforced my belief that the spirit and love of music is universal," adds Perla.

    And of course, the opportunity to soak in the diversity of African music meant that the trio returned home with more than just a suitcase full of souvenirs. "Wherever we had contact with local musicians, we learned something new every time; something we could incorporate into our own playing," says Bargad. "Jazz musicians have always used music of other cultures to enhance their composing."
    Bargad didn't wait for the return trip to start the creative process. He composed a new song for the trio, "Frangipani Tree," during a sound check in Lusaka, Zambia, and added the lyrics during their stay in Kenya. The tune was a big hit for the remainder of the tour, and will be included in their upcoming CD.

The Trio's Travel Tips
    Having recently returned from their tour, the trio is now being considered for a 2002 tour. Given all this traveling experience, they've learned a thing or two about traveling abroad, particularly with instruments. The group endured two incidents involving (temporarily) lost cargo, a few questionable "cash only" overweight charges, and some less-than-delicate handling of their instruments. They offer some advice for other musicians who have the opportunity to tour internationally.
    "Keep a close eye on people handling your instruments," advises Bargad. "Learn what to check and what not to--carry smaller items onboard. If you can, carry with you whatever pieces might make a performance easier." Adds Perla, "Carry spare parts, constantly check to see if they make the transfer on connecting flights, prepare those in charge with minimum size requirements for transportation vehicles, and consider greasing palms when appropriate."
    But even more important, the trio offers advice on ensuring that foreign tours are the most enriching experiences possible. "Take reasonable risks and go on a food adventure. Learn a few words of each language and go out and meet the people," says Kapp. From Bargad: "Try to do most of your sleeping on planes and buses: you may never get back to these places. Eat things, drink things, buy things, see things, meet people, dance, sing, hang out, take pictures." And above all, says Perla, "Play from your heart and take time to soak in the daily life that surrounds you." Of course, that's just what the Fine Wine Trio is all about: pop the cork, taste the music, and make life an adventure.
    "Jazz musicians have always used music of other cultures to enhance their composing. I try to use foreign rhythms and instruments to create original atmospheres and moods."