The Eagles, Krauss, Astatke, Regaled; 900 Grads Celebrated

As if on cue, a week of rainy weather in Boston gave way to warmth and sunshine just in time for Berklee’s May 11 and 12 commencement weekend. Nearly 900 new grads received degrees and diplomas at the Saturday, May 12, graduation exercises at Boston University’s Agganis Arena. In the same venue the night prior, nearly 10 percent of the graduating class participated in a tribute concert celebrating the music of this year’s honorees: the Eagles, Alison Krauss, and Mulatu Astatke.

The ambitious May 11 show traversed a range of musical territory. Things kicked off with the sights and sounds of Berklee’s 10-member African Drum Ensemble. The colorfully costumed group (with members hailing from such locations as Australia, West Africa, Texas, and Vermont) danced and sang to the accompaniment of hand percussion. Their traditional song served as a bridge to “Derashe,” a composition by honoree Astatke. Born in Ethiopia, he was Berklee’s first African student in 1959. A vibraphonist and composer, he is credited with creating “Ethio-Jazz,” a blend of musical elements from African, Latin, and American jazz styles. “Derashe” was built on a pentatonic melody that was fleshed out with a large ensemble comprising horns and strings and included piano, flute, and alto saxophone solos. It was the first of three songs penned by Astatke. On the third, “Yèkèrmo Sèw,” Astatke joined the students onstage to play vibes. Astatke’s solo probed the harmonic confines of his minor key-tune. Also soloing were trumpeter Jenn Allen and saxophonist Grace Kelly.

The tribute to 27-time Grammy-winning singer and bluegrass fiddler Alison Krauss began with her hit “When You Say Nothing at All,” which received a heartfelt rendition from vocalist Naomi Gillies. A medley of Krauss’s duets included the bluesy “What the Cowgirls Do,” the country ballad “Whiskey Lullaby,” and the early rock number “Gone, Gone, Gone.” All were given first-rate treatments by Naomi Gillies and Dustin Hyatt (“Cowgirls”), Jennifer Waris and Torrence Nelson (“Whiskey”), and Melissa Wright and Will Makar (“Gone”). “Every Time You Say Goodbye” featured Sierra Hull on mandolin and vocals.

Veering into more traditional territory, the Berklee American Roots Music Program ensemble played “Take Me for Longing” (penned for Krauss by Associate Professor of Songwriting Mark Simos), and the popular Appalachian fiddle and banjo tune “Cluck Old Hen.” The latter got feet stomping when some 27 fiddlers, banjo players, mandolinists, guitarists, and a stand-up bassist joined the fray.

Krauss came onstage to sing a second traditional tune, “Down to the River to Pray,” which was featured in the movie O Brother, Where Art Thou? Associate Professor Dennis Montgomery III and the Berklee Gospel Ensemble provided reverential a cappella backing for Krauss. Together, they had the whole audience feeling a bit of religion by the song’s end.

Fittingly, the first of nine songs played originally by members of the Eagles was “Take It Easy.” The country rock hit was the group’s first single in 1972. Singer Dustin Hyatt did a great job on the lead vocal originally sung by Glenn Frey. Other tunes included Joe Walsh’s “Funk #49” (from his James Gang era) and a string of iconic Eagles songs. Singing “I Can’t Tell You Why,” Emily Miller savored every lyric. The Don Henley–Glen Frey classic “Desperado” began with a poignant string intro, then the band entered, and Torrence Nelson and five male backup singers gave it a soulful rendering. “Keep on Tryin’” (from Timothy B. Schmit’s pre-Eagles tenure with Poco) captured the airiness of Poco’s distinctive vocal blend, thanks to Jennifer Waris, Melissa Wright, Ali Rapetti, Meg Porter, Francisco Ruiz, and Jonathan Rostam-Abadi. “The Heart of the Matter,” “The Heat Is On,” and “Hotel California” all received high-energy treatments, with the last of the three featuring five guitarists playing all the trademark parts—including the double leads—note for note. The encore, “Heartache Tonight,” closed the show with nearly all the featured singers and instrumentalists joining in. Kudos go to Rob Rose and his Yo Team production staff and the 120 student musicians for a fitting tribute to the 2012 honorees.

The next morning, the students and honorees filed into the Agganis Arena clad in ceremonial caps and gowns. President Roger Brown introduced the Eagles, Krauss, and Astatke, and made the doctoral degree presentations. After the members of the Eagles received their honorary degrees, group spokesman Don Henley mentioned the student performance the night before. “Sometimes I worry about the future of music and culture,” Henley said. “But after what we all witnessed here last night, I have renewed hope and faith in the future of music. It was truly inspiring.”

Astatke gave the commencement address. “When you leave here today, I encourage you to think outside the box,” he said. “Think of how others can benefit from your talent and your education. You know the many hours, days, and years you and your families have given to see today become a reality. You are a select few with a special gift, and we all have great expectations for you. Welcome to the latest leg of your journey with music. May your journey be blessed.”