Carla Bley - Old Man Dancing

 

Chet Doxas - Clarinet and Saxophone, 

Carla Bley - Piano,

 Karen Mantler- keyboard, 

Steve Swallow - Bass 

Directed by Gareth Hughes, 

DP Sean Brennan 

Below are the performance notes that accompanied 

 

Ms. Bley's score for "Old Man Dancing": Chester is a bit late and looks at his watch and gives an apologetic little bow, then unpacks his instrument and plays a few notes, then dusts it off with his handkerchief and plays a few more. The band looks at him expectantly, and he calls “Old Man Dancing.” He does a little shuffle step and points to himself. The musicians indicate they have the parts and are ready to play. With just a head nod, Chester starts to play. Everything goes beautifully for a few minutes, even when Chester stumbles a bit and almost trips. But during the next chorus, during an especially expressive moment, he actually loses his balance and falls against the piano. He pulls himself up up with some difficulty, peers at the floor, checks his horn, then continues to play without missing more than a few beats. He takes a short, sweet solo, then gestures for the bass to take over. During the bass solo he does some steps while enjoying the music, and flirts with the ladies in the audience. The song’s main theme returns and all goes well until Chester plays a wrong note. He stops playing and looks accusingly at his horn. He picks something off his mouthpiece and replays the phrase. The band does its best to follow him. But Chester has lost his confidence. He gives the musicians a sign, and they break into a few phrases of “Goodnight Ladies.” Everyone puts on a smile, and Chester waves goodbye…

Carla Bley's official website says this is what she and the other prisoners (WATT is a prison) have done while in quarantine.