The Heights – An Xperience Column

The Heights – An Xperience Column – by Joe Barna.

One of the most difficult achievements an artist can obtain is developing a voice and identity on their instrument so unique that, within a few bars of music, the listener instantly recognizes exactly who they are listening to. One such voice is that of four-time Grammy winner, international recording artist, educator, composer, and clinician Ralph Lalama. For nearly five decades, Lalama’s husky and lyrical saxophone personality has been an integral part of the NYC jazz scene. He has woven his way inside the fabric of jazz music’s rich history and cemented his place among the elite improvisers to have ever played this enchanting American art form.

Let’s get into it…..

I first met Ralph Lalama in September of 1999 while launching my first semester as a student within the jazz studies program at SUNY Purchase in Westchester, NY. He was performing with pianist Pete Malinverni on Pete’s Master’s recital in room 81 of the music conservatory. I hadn’t known of Ralph, nor was I aware he was one of the jazz professors. However, when the show took flight, it was apparent to all in attendance that Lalama was one of the heaviest cats on the scene. From the first note, his joyful tone, swinging feel, and command of the music were obvious. He transported the entire audience back to those precious times when players like Dexter Gordon, Hank Mobley, John Coltrane, Junior Cook, Sonny Rollins, and others were at the forefront of the jazz movement. It was an inspired and engaging introduction to the mind, life, and music of Ralph Lalama.

Fast forward a few months…

It was December of 1999, and I wanted to record my first-ever album as a bandleader. I had chosen the music, but wasn’t completely committed to the personnel. After careful consideration and with a fierce level of confidence, I decided to ask Ralph if he would like to play on my first recording. He asked what the tunes were, when the date was scheduled, and how much it paid. After a small conversation, he agreed. Shortly after we recorded “Joe Barna Quartet / A Rose For Pam.” This effort was dedicated to my mother, Pamela Rose Barna. It featured four originals and three jazz standards. This project, which also included James Weidman (piano) and Ryan Berg (bass), would be the catalyst launching me into a long career as a composer, drummer, and bandleader.

It was now 2000, and the album had been completed. All that was left to do was book the band and begin spreading the word. The first stop in upstate NY would be the legendary Van Dyck jazz club in Schenectady. What an honor it was to share the stage with a legend like Ralph Lalama. His musical guidance on the bandstand was like nothing I had experienced up till that point. The way he could lead the rhythm section through a solo without uttering a single word took the playing to elevations I didn’t know existed. The giant sound he achieved on his horn, his unique phrasing, and the vast wealth of content present inside every solo captivated all who took the time to be there in person. It’s a night I will remember forever.

BREAKING NEWS…….

It is with great honor that I announce…Coming to the Van Dyck on Thursday, June 26th, will be a 25-year anniversary reunion commemorating the first time Ralph Lalama and I joined forces to present a performance in this historic venue. To have an opportunity to perform with someone who has toured and recorded with the likes of Buddy Rich, Joe Lovano, Kenny Barron, the Village Vanguard Orchestra, and more for 25 years has been a privilege. The lessons I’ve learned are priceless. His encouragement and commitment to seeing the scene grow and helping young musicians find their way is something I just can’t measure in words.

In addition…

I’d also like to announce that WAMC reached out to Chris at the Van Dyck and asked permission to document the one-night-only performance to be showcased on WAMC 90.3 radio. We are humbled and appreciative to have this rare moment captured on recording, and would like to thank all involved for being a part of this gathering.

The featured musicians will be:

Ralph Lalama (tenor sax)

  John Esposito (piano)

  Jason Emmond (bass)

Joe Barna (drums & cymbals).

We invite each and every one of you, who is reading this article, to come out and be an important part of this joyful celebration. I’m pretty sure we won’t be seeing a 50 year anniversary, so here is your chance to experience something special right here in the Capital Region. It will be our pleasure to perform for all in attendance

The Joe Barna Quartet w/ Ralph Lalama

  Thursday, June 26th 2025

  Sets at 7:30 & 9pm / Doors open at 6:30 for early seating

  $20 on Eventbrite / $25 at the door

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