The Summer Jazz Workshop hosted its first concert last night in Moeser Auditorium, it was a CD release for the 360 Band Initiative. The performers consisted of UNC music department professors and faculty, previous and current UNC students, a NCCU professor, and Canadian Jazz trumpeter Rachel Therrien.
The rest of the instrumentation was as follows:
- Stephen Anderson was on the piano
- Juan Alamo on the marimba and playing percussion
- Dan Davis on drums
- Rahsaan Barber on the saxophone
- Alex Upton on alto saxophone
- Jerald Shynette on trombone
- Jason Foureman on bass
- Baron Tymas on the guitar
- Vocals by Ramune Marcinkevičiūtė and Emma Gonzales
There were eight compositions performed, including originals by Stephen Anderson, Rahsaan Barber, a previous UNC student, and Alex Upton.
Having previously attended Jazz concerts at UNC, it felt quite familiar, but nonetheless intriguing. As the concert began, I could honestly say that the performers looked as though they belonged together and as the concert continued their enthusiasm towards each other made me enjoy the concert even more. Their stage presence radiated onto the audience and made me want to join them.
Something else I enjoyed was the versatility of the compositions. Specifically I appreciated listening to the third composition with the first vocalist, Ramune, because it was slow and contained soft melodies. I found myself entranced by the way she sang, the way in which her voice would combine so well with the instrumentation made it fascinating to hear.
I also was amused by the sixth composition by Rahsaan Barber because of what I believe was Latin-infused adoptions. It was entertaining to watch Juan Alamo and the guest drummer improvise together and to see Rachel and Rahsaan begin to dance a bit. They danced because that’s how their body was responding to the music, and I think as an audience it uplifted our energy.
As someone who doesn’t listen to jazz, I love how simply watching the performers have a good time has given me an appreciation for the genre. Throughout the entire concert the compositions gave me an airy and fluttery feeling within myself that urged me to nod my head or tap my foot, and also left me captivated by the unsuspecting tempo changes, rhythm changes, etc. Despite not being well-educated on Jazz music and techniques I loved being able to enjoy the concert and am excited for the next one.