Fred Whiskin's Jazz is Good Therapy

If you stroll into the Hare and the Hound in Landrum on a Saturday between 3-5p.m. you’ll discover the jazz of Fred Whiskin on piano, Doug Tremmel on upright bass, and Bob Belmont on guitar. This isn’t your typical smoky, dark jazz club, but a lovely smoke free environment serving up delicious pub style appetizers and sandwiches with a wide selection of beverages. It’s a soothing respite from errands and shopping where you can watch the world walk by outside the large bright windows. The patrons range from multiple generations of families, to couples, equestrian groups, shoppers, and buddies all gathering for a relaxing afternoon. They even have a couple of televisions running on silent for those who can’t do without their afternoon sports.

Fred’s trio has been playing this afternoon gig four years now with everything from “boogie woogie” to Brubeck emanating from their snug little corner at the end of the bar. It took me a while to fit a Saturday afternoon into my schedule, and the first time I met with Fred I still hadn’t heard him play, so we just sat down to chat.

Where are you from?
I live in Tryon now, but spent most of my life in Boston. I studied with a teacher from Berkley College of Music and went to the New England Conservatory. I was lucky enough to have private instruction from Madame Margaret Chaloff and also Keith Jarret.

When did you start playing jazz?
I started playing jazz in my teens and even though I went to med school I was always interested in music. Once I retired from my medical practice I switched to music full time.

Who are some of your influences and favorites?
Winton Kelley & Dave Brubeck, but I listen to a variety of jazz all the time.

Did you grow up with music?
There was always music at home. We had a piano in the house and I studied classical for three years. When I started to play the blues my teacher said “I can’t teach you how to do that stuff.”

What does your ‘regular’ set include?
Jazz standards like Bronislau Kaper’s “On Green Dolphin Street” and songs by Cole Porter and Gershwin.

At this point we’re interrupted by Frank’s biggest fans Ray & Rick who spend several minutes raving about how wonderful it is to enjoy their Saturday afternoon listening to the trio at a place where they can walk home. Impressed with their review, I excuse myself and promise to return next week to actually hear them for myself.
When I arrive I’m treated to a lovely version of Angel Eyes. Fred’s fingers glide effortlessly over the keys in waterfall runs and phrases. Bob is providing tasteful and elegant counterpoint on guitar and Bob holds the bottom end with a solid steady swing. They continue with some of my favorites like Duke Ellington’s "It Don’t Mean a Thing" and Fats Waller’s "Honeysuckle Rose." There’s something comforting about hearing familiar tunes like "Misty," "Don’t Get Around Much," "Black & Blue," and "Sweet Georgia Brown" handled so elegantly. There is a lovely balance as they take turns soloing while the other two hold down the rhythm letting each other have their moment in the spotlight. I took some time to talk with Fred again after the show.

I wouldn’t have guessed by looking at your hands that they could move so fast!
I practice 2-3 hours a day looking for new patterns for my fast fingers to learn. I was taught that I should practice until I can “think something” and then it will happen (hopefully).

How did the three of you meet up to form this trio?
There’s another bass player, Buck Matthews, who I was friends with and we got together to practice. Bob appeared because he tuned Buck’s piano.
Bob Belmont jumps in the conversation himself.
Bob: I played with BB & the Chick Band and Fred came in and sat in on the piano with us and Ruby liked it. Then Buck invited me to join in on their rehearsals.
Fred: Bob is a legend in his own mind.
Bob: No wait that’s my line…Fred is the legend.
Fred: We never intended to go play, just to practice for fun. Patty Otto talked us into playing here one day and we moved to Saturday afternoons and have played here for over four years now.

What about Doug, where did he come from?
Fred: Doug played in another jazz band and met Bob doing that.
Bob: We’re all jazz musicians. I played rock years ago, but haven’t done anything but jazz since.
Fred: Before moving here I mostly played solo piano gigs like I do at the Purple Onion on Friday evenings. I played at places like the Bethel Inn & Country Club in Maine and several clubs in the Palm Beach area of Florida. While I was practicing medicine in Boston I met many good jazz musicians and occasionally would play out myself.

Your fans tell me that you were a well established psychiatrist, is that true?
Yes, but I’m retired.

So in other words, “Don’t tell me your troubles, just listen to the music and smile?”
Exactly! I suppose in a way, I am really still doing mental health work through music. What better therapy is there than relaxing by enjoying good food and music?

You can catch Fred playing solo 7pm every Friday at the Purple Onion, and of course, relax with the trio each Saturday afternoon from 3-5pm at the Hare and the Hound.