Trumpeter Jens Lindemann plays as he walks through the ashes of his former Palisades home on Michael Lane. A resident captured the moment and wrote, “a good friend and former neighbor, Jens interprets a familiar song called Smile by Charlie Chaplin for his famous movie Modern Times, often sung by Nat King Cole. If you read the song’s words while listening to Jens play, the notes are even more soulful and plaintive.”
Many people enjoyed this musician on New Year’s Eve at Casa Nostra – the final night of that restaurant in the Highlands before it closed.
Lindemann, a distinguished professor at UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music, has played in every major concert venue in the world: from the Philharmonics of New York, Los Angeles, London, and Berlin to Tokyo’s Suntory Hall and even the Great wall of China.
His career has ranged from appearing internationally as an orchestral soloist, performing at London’s ‘Last Night of the Proms’, recording with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir to playing lead trumpet with the renowned Canadian Brass and a solo Command Performance for the Queen of England.
Classically trained at the renowned Juilliard School in New York, Lindemann’s proven ability to perform as a diverse artist places him at the front of a new generation of musicians. He has performed as a soloist and recording artist with classical stars such as Sir Neville Marriner, Sir Angel Romero, Doc Severinsen, Charles Dutoit, Gerard Schwarz, Eiji Oue, Bramwell Tovey and Jukka Pekka Saraste.
The words to the song:
Smile though your heart is aching
Smile even though it’s breaking
When there are clouds in the sky, you’ll get by
you smile through your fear and sorrow
Smile and maybe tomorrow
You’ll see the sun come shining through for you
Light up your face with gladness
Hide every trace of sadness
Although a tear may be ever so near
That’s the time you must keep on trying
Smile, what’s the use of crying?
You’ll find that life is still worthwhile
If you just smile
That’s the time you must keep on trying
Smile, what’s the use of crying?
You’ll find that life is still worthwhile
If you just smile
Jens gave us fabulous free concerts with friends during COVID. We would all bring our chairs and sit outdoors on that very driveway, gazing over the Santa Monica mountains while his music filled the air. Week after week. It was glorious.
Wow!!! That brought tears😢
We all so enjoyed his afternoon concerts during the pandemic. He arranged for musicians to accompany him. We brought our folding chairs, and some got up and danced. We picnicked—unforgettable.