 "Photo: UWG Jazz")
The UWG Jazz Ensemble drew a crowd at the Townsend Center on Friday night, their first performance of the spring semester.
They played ten songs, beginning with “Not Yet Over the Hill,” by Mart Taylor. The upbeat song featured solos from the saxophone, trumpet and drums. Their second number, “Gravy Waltz,” by Ray Brown and Mark Taylor, was smooth and laidback, featuring dueling melodies from the trumpet and saxophone soloists.
“It’s Only a Paper Moon,” the ensemble’s third song, by Harold Arlen and Jerry Nowak featured Amanda Gilbreath as a vocalist. “Round Midnight” by Thelonious Monk and Alan Baylock was the fourth number of the program, beginning with vocals and trombone, providing a calm, smooth feeling.
The ensemble’s fifth song, “Livin’ Larger than Life” was, according to the Jazz Ensemble’s director, Dr. Daniel Bakos, different than any other style that the ensemble had performed. It began with the guitar and featured a long alto saxophone solo. The fast tempo and use of the cowbell and other percussion instruments gave the song a Latin feel.
The sixth song was a modern ballad, “Oblivion” by Astor Piazzolla and Bob Curnow. This dominant melody began with the piano and featured a trumpet solo.
The seventh song was “Ten Brothers” by Jeff Bunnell. According to Bakos, this song is a play on a work by Willie Herman. There was a feature by the saxophone section in the song and a trumpet solo.
The eighth song was “How About You?” by Burton Lane and Dave Wolpe with vocals from Gilbreath. The song featured the vocalist and another man that stood beside the vocalist. It featured a bit of comedy between the duo. When she would sing, he would gesture. At one point, they danced together.
“Summertime,” the ensemble’s ninth song, was by Gershwin, Dubose, Heyward and Wolpe. The song was smooth and relaxing. The vocalist and ensemble held out their notes and played with emphasis. There were trumpet solos and a trumpet duet. One of the trumpet players had a cover on their trumpet to get a more bluesy sound.
The tenth song was “Afro Blue” by Mongo Santamaria. According to Bakos, the song was Latin. The tempo was fast and vibrant. There was a trumpet solo and the song was rich and full of life.
The Jazz Ensemble will perform in the 25th Annual Sunbelt Jazz Festival on Friday, April 23 at 7:30 p.m. at the Townsend Center. The event will also feature Ignacio Berroa on drums.
For more information on upcoming music events, visit the Department of Music’s website at http://www.westga.edu/music/.
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