On Tuesday, Feb. 28, the Cook-Cole College of Arts & Sciences' Department of Music put on their annual winter concert in Jarman Theater, featuring the department's two jazz ensembles — ensembles A and B.
The concert was divided into two acts — the first being for ensemble B, followed by ensemble A in the second act. The concert went off without a hitch as the two ensembles performed their pieces, which ranged from classic jazz standards to music that gave off more of a blues feel.
The evening began with Jazz Ensemble B performing Ray Charles' song "Mary Ann." The blues songs continued with "Jump, Jive An' Wail," and Jazz Ensemble B closed out with funk band Tower of Power's "Down to the Nightclub," which provided the audience with a sound more reminiscent of the 1970s.
Jazz Ensemble B featured Aaron Brown, Sam Edwards, Miguel Gavilan, Lauren Seidner, Kemp Williams, Taylor Quesenberry and Keith Baldwin as saxophonists. Kathleen Whitney, Kristen Myers, Patrick Haurie and Carlton Hobbs were trombone players, while Buster Brown, Sarah Kinzer and Jessie Bass played the trumpets. Jazz Ensemble B's rhythm section consisted of Eric Engel on piano, Sean Flynn and Joseph Fecondo on guitar, Tom Mountcasel on bass and Ross Kuehl on the drums.
Jazz Ensemble A performed a number of pieces that ranged in eras. One very interesting piece was their rendition of "Norwegian Wood," a classic Beatles song written by John Lennon and Paul McCartney. The original song, which most would classify as folk, was performed as a jazz piece. "‘Round Midnight" and "Two O'Clock Jump" were two other pieces performed.
"Five of Seven" was performed by Jazz Ensemble A. The piece was actually composed by Longwood Professor of Music Gordon Ring in the 1970s. After the piece was played, the conductor spotted Ring out in the audience, who was met with a round of applause from the audience.
"Coconut Champagne" was the final piece performed at the concert. The piece is distinguishable by its saxophone and drum solos. Miguel Gavilan performed the saxophone solo, while Luke Talian played an extensive drum solo, where a spotlight singled him out before the song broke back into the jazz feel that it started with.
Jazz Ensemble A featured David Lawson, Nick Milford, Holly Phelps, H.B. Wilmouth, John Sibley and Miguel Gavilan playing the saxophone. Taylor Cole, Buster Brown, Dave Fulcher and Melissa Michel played the trumpet.
The ensemble's trombonists included Tommie Smith, Gregory Robey, Blake Cox and Chuck Wongus. The ensemble's rhythm section consisted of Jay Coward on piano, Greg Thorpe on guitar, Max Doss on bass and Luke Talian on drums.
The evening proved to be a success, as the musicians put on an exceptional performance. The venue was a perfect setting for the event, which came as a breath of fresh air. The music kept the audience lively, and kept them intrigued from beginning to end.
At the end of the evening, I left with a much greater appreciation of real music. The talent of these musicians is incomparable to that of most people. There really is nothing like the pure sounds that instruments make when they are combined.
