Have you ever ordered a meal on a whim and been so utterly delighted by it that you find yourself craving the sensation long after the experience?  Well, that is how I felt after attending the debut performance of Karl Seigfried's latest musical project, Portrait of Jack Johnson.

If you are unfamiliar with Karl Seigfried, as I was prior to the performance, you can find a great deal of information about him and his music on the Internet, starting with Wikipedia's free online encyclopedia, where Seigfried is described as a German-American jazz, rock, and classical bassist, guitarist, composer, bandleader, and educator based in Chicago.

I formed my own favorable impression of the tall, thin, unassuming yet approachable Chicago-area native when we talked following his performance.  I was pleased to discover Seigfried not only heads up an extraordinary jazz trio, but he also writes for a boxing magazine, East Side Boxing. 

It turns out the ring-sport is just one of the touch points of the African American experience that fascinates Seigfried; music is another.  As I read his Wikipedia page, I discovered Seigfried holds a doctorate in Double Base Performance, and his treatise on Wilbur Ware is the only scholarly work on the African-American Chicago bassist.  Such discoveries were wonderful treats following an extraordinary feast that was the debut performance of Portrait of Jack Johnson. Jack Johnson was the legendary boxer who reigned as the world heavyweight champion from 1908 to 1915 - a time when black men were suppose to know their place in society. 

The August debut of Seigfried's latest project followed centennial celebrations of the epic battle between Jack Johnson, the then reigning heavyweight champion, and his rival, Jim Jeffries, who came out of retirement to reclaim the title for a nation eager to see the crown returned to a white boxer.  That contest, billed as The Fight of the Century, took place in Reno, Nevada on July 4, 1910. Given the historic portent of the event, the spectacular victory by Johnson and the subsequent backlash, I was eager to discover how Seigfried would honor Johnson. 

As it happens, Seigfried's work is not the first time Johnson has been honored with song.  Several years ago, Miles Davis composed his own musical salute to the former champion; and when an artist of Davis' caliber devotes an entire body of work to one individual, you know that individual is or was extraordinary. Seigfried is not yet as celebrated as Davis, but his musical tribute is no less inspirational or noteworthy.

Jack Johnson was a talented personality capable of projecting well-timed brilliance.  Beyond being a masterful fighter, Johnson was also a competent musician and entertainer, a published author and a patent-holding inventor. 

Whenever I think of Jack Johnson, my mind immediately goes to his 1910 encounter with Jim Jeffries. Faced with oppressive heat and unrelenting jeers from spectators eager to see him destroyed, Johnson prevailed.  Most in that audience believed no black man was worthy of the heavyweight title, particularly a self-assured, extravert like Johnson; but Johnson proved otherwise.  He not only defeated Jeffries decisively, he dashed all claims of a racial hierarchy.  Johnson's exceptional courage, confidence, and physical prowess exhibited that Independence Day have long inspired Americans who uphold the ideals of social inclusion and equality.

Seigfried’s composition evokes much of the creativity, confidence and physical prowess displayed throughout Johnson's career and life.  Seigfried mixes in just enough attitude, unconventionality and sass to remind the listener that Johnson was no angel. His rhythms and rifts reflect the heavyweight’s masculinity and skill, while the melodies underscore the complexities of a life that was at once commanding and heartbreaking.

As the Chicago trio played, I sat in my chair amazed and delighted that Seigfried has released a worthy tribute during the centennial of Johnson's most historic victory.  The trio next performed compositions honoring two other boxing champions, Ezzard Charles and Archie Moore. Moore is a light-heavyweight champion (1952–59, 1961) who continues to hold the record for the most career knockouts at 131. 

After completing the musical tributes to the boxers, the trio then performed a series of compositions honoring jazz artists who have influenced Seigfried's own creative development, including the legendary Thelonious Monk.

All of the music Seigfried performed that night is included on Portrait of Jack Johnson.  It is an important work that is both flavorful and satisfying.  I am pleased to feature Seigfried's newest CD as my musical pick of the season.

To learn more about Karl Seigfried and to order his CD, please go to: http://www.myspace.com/karlehseigfried.

Special thanks to KP Perkins for her contribution to his piece.