It is finally spring, the weather is brightening up and the Music department is off to a great start with the Faculty Jazz concert. The term’s first show took place last Friday evening in the Timken Room. Faculty musicians showed off their improvisational skills through a variety of pieces ranging from blues tunes and ballads to their very own compositions.
First to perform were Instructor in Music Joel Springer on the saxophone, Peter Cirelli on the trombone, Vincent Monaco on the trumpet, Bob Baughman on the piano, Jesse Williams on the bass and Bertram Lehmann on the drums. They strolled on stage with ease and started off by playing “Foreign Intrigue” by Barney Kessel, impressing the audience with their seemingly flawless improvisation.
The woodwinds and brass took turns delighting the listeners with their solos, each of them receiving appreciative applause. The drums and bass then took the spotlight with their impulsive but successful collaboration of playing back and forth like a simple conversation.
“For improvisation it was fantastic…the performance was all soul,” said Isabel Knight ’12, stunned at their ability to get up on stage with only a few rehearsals and produce such fabulous music.
The group’s professional ease created a relaxed and very informal atmosphere. Monaco said, “We could have just done this at my house.”
After the first piece finished and the praise simmered down, a baby in the audience began to cry. The performers asked whether the baby’s cry was a positive or negative response, and the baby answered with another merry squeak.
The next piece played was “CZ,” composed by Baughman. Baughman said that “the name is actually like ‘it’s easy’, you know, CZ,” which brought laughter to the room.
This name does perfectly define the piece, as the dulcet sounds from each instrument intertwined into a lenient and mellow melody. The members of the audience could not help but close their eyes and bob to the harmonious creation.
Next up was “Humpty Dumpty” by Ornette Coleman, which was chosen to play in honor of the composer’s 80th birthday. Among the group Coleman is known as the “revolutionist of jazz”.
The performers skillfully conveyed a diverse range of dynamics, perfectly executing their transitions from pianissimo to fortissimo. The musicians were so engrossed in the music that even their eyebrows danced along.
“It’s great to see the faculty perform after seeing their input in the works of their students. It’s absolutely great to see them enjoy themselves,” said Rebecca Sykes, Associate Head of School.
The first group of performers finished impressively with “Johnny’s Blue” by Lee Morgan. They had set a high standard for the second group with Instructors in Music Raleigh Green and Peter Cicco on the guitar, Dave Zox on the bass and Bertram Lehmann on the drums once again.
They began with “Joy Spring” by Clifford Brown to welcome the season and the start of a new term. A magical melody resonated in the Timken room, giving a fresh feel to the atmosphere. Cicco mentioned that for this show his group sought “variety” and that is exactly what they had.
They played together in perfect sync, with soft brushes of the cymbals and the steady strumming of the bass in the background. The guitars added a finishing layer with their euphonious tones.
Following was Cicco’s own composition “McCoy,” which every member played passionately.
The songs came to an end with the musicians exchanging smiles and nods. One even wiped the sweat off his face with a towel after he intense performance.
“A good tune plays itself,” says Green. “You have to just be into it.”