It was the musical version of coming upon a painter while taking a stroll in the park and, with permission, observing as a blank canvas is transformed, becoming an image. You are seeing what the artist is creating and your mind is processing it, interpreting it – your way. Lexington jazz pianist, composer, arranger and educator Raleigh Dailey provided just such an experience to a gathering of Undermain readers, writers and supporters at the home of Christine and Mike Huskisson. Dailey gave most in the room their first glimpse at what goes into the creation of a song. He explained that for him, the sweet spot lies somewhere between the structure and confines of composition, and the freedom and flight of improvisation. As we listened and watched, Raleigh – assuring us that he had deliberately avoided thinking about what he would compose in order to produce in the moment – rendered a thing of beauty. He called for a suggested title and without pause, the artist Guy Kemper offered Where Is She Now? It fit. So well. Both in terms of meter and mood. Art as it is made.
