It is the end of the blighting summer heat in New York, and a thunderstorm looms large over Battery Park.

An ensemble assembles piece by piece… an oboe is wandering down by the war memorial, a piccolo finds its way through the open gates of Castle Clinton, a trumpet stops for a Campari on the covered patio. They all lead to a masked form, decorated in technicolor grandeur, leading a child around the former stronghold of Lower Manhattan. Shara Worden appears as a mute and we communicate through body language, symptomatic of a nasty virus she has imported from Detroit. We briefly consider rescheduling, but she gathers her courage and carries on through the impediment.

We gather up the players and discover a grassy field leading to the Financial District. The clouds continue to gather as they serenade the few bold enough to draw near to us.

We continue down to the harbour. Lady Liberty looks on from across the water as yMusic surprises the crowd with their considerable skill. Shara looks on, resting tortured vocal chords, preparing for a concert in the castle in only an hour’s time.

Our time is short, but the music is dynamic and pronounced, the spectacle assured. From a struggle with pain and rush, My Brightest Diamond and yMusic bring undeniable gifts and are kind to share them.

Originally published October 10th, 2011 // La Blogotheque