The Euphonious Panorama

Michael Brynteson contacted me in August, and we talked about his vision for his wedding ceremony to Kerrie. They desired some light percussion for Kerri’s Entrance, an atypical Classical piece for the wedding party Entrance, and  Bob Marley’s ” One Love”, which I would sing.   It is always a delight to work with a couple that has a strong vision of how they want their ceremony to unfold, and Michael’s background in video and Kerri’s  in costume and makeup made it easy to achieve their momentous  plan.  At first, I suggested Afro Cuban Bata rhythms, but we decided the North Indian Tabla would be better suited, and more melodic. For the Bridal Party Entrance, I chose J.S. Bach’s Prelude to Cello Suite 1007, a lovely Baroque masterpiece seldom performed on Guitar. There was an additional request, two weeks before the ceremony, for Madyson, Kerri’s 16 year old niece to sing Bob Dylan’s ” Make You Feel My Love”. Would it be possible to accompany her? Of course!

The wedding was held in Sebastopol, CA at the enchanting Redwood Hill Gardens (www.redwoodhillgardens.com)  Rosie London, and her entire family worked tirelessly, and joyfully,  ensuring the party flowed smoothly through the two venues of the day; The Gardens, and the Poolside Deck.  The Gardens were set below the main house, a modern wooden home surrounded by an enormous  wooden deck, heat lamps, and perched upon a small hill, 100 yards above the Gardens. There was a lily covered pond and a quaint mini cabin behind the Gardens that served as a romantic photogenic backdrop. The Gardens themselves were decorated with a breathtaking floral arrangement, a homemade altar made from bundled willow branches, and large white candles were perched upon pedestals, marking the Entrance through the Gardens. There was adequate space for 50 guests, and a serpentine pathway trailed through the stoic Redwoods planted throughout the backyard by the jovial Mr. London some 30 years ago. The Poolside deck was split into two levels, was  covered in light grey and tan slate, and surrounded  the sizable, alluring  pool that  took everyone’s breath away. The lower level  had adequate space for 5 bar tables, a DJ set up, and the upper deck had a substantial bar and overlook.

I arrived after a leisurely drive through the Sonoma  countryside  and found the London’s son in law shuttling people up and down the hillside in their golf cart. The set up and break down of our PA and equipment was greatly facilitated by the golf cart, and the skillful maneuvering of it’s driver through the parking lot, and the front yard.

I began playing light Classical music for the arriving guests, and when Kerri began her Procession, I started  to play Tintaal, a traditional 16 beat rhythm on the Tablas while Ahmed accompanied me, lightly strumming Flamenco siguiriyas. We set up a mic for Madyson to sing before the vows were exchanged. Madyson and I  had met while I was setting up. We had a short rehearsal 30 minutes prior to the ceremony, I knew there would be no difficulties.  Madyson had a strong, clear voice, and good intonation. She had prepared well for her performance, and the song had been performed at her Uncle’s wedding 20 years earlier. It was a family tradition that she was now continuing for her Aunt. She performed a captivating version of  “Make You Feel My Love”. Michael and Kerri’s vows were exchanged, and Ahmed and I began playing “One Love”. The newlywed couple walked through the Garden, and the festivities began. We quickly broke down our amplifiers, packed up the instruments, and jumped into the golfcart, and were shuttled up to the Poolside Deck.

We began playing Rio Ancho, a Flamenco favorite, and the energy level was very high. We were excited to be surrounded by a great crowd, that was ready to party. We followed that piece with Loca Juventud, a personal favorite from the Buena Vista Social Club soundtrack. Yaremys and I sang the song together, commemorating  our own loca amor in Havana. As the meal was being served, Michael asked if we could serenade the party through dinner. It was my pleasure to perform for his party as the sun set and the purple dusk of twilight brought the veil down upon the sky. As Ahmed and I continued playing, the candles lit the tables and mirrored the starry sky above. We couldn’t have asked for a better place to be that night.ChristopherKilday