The lights dimly fell over the Moeser Auditorium, marking the second night of the 2022 UNC Jazz Workshop.
Prior to the concert’s start, students, faculty and parents flooded the seats, waiting in anticipation for the night’s music to begin. This night featured the Caribbean Connections Band.
• Piano: Stephen Anderson
• Saxophone: Rahsaan Barber
• Trumpet: Rachel Therrien
• Bass: Ramon Vazquez
• Drums: Guy Frometa
• Percussion: Juan Alamo
The night began with an upbeat tune. Standing center stage, you can hear Rahsaan Barber wailing on his saxophone and Stephen Anderson’s fast-paced piano improvisation. Each of the band members was wearing a smile.
Just once the audience thought to believe that the first composition had come to an end, out comes Rachel Therrien on trumpet as the band continues to flow through their Salsa-inspired number.
Through the night, you can hear the Cuban and Latin influences as the band continued. After each solo, the crowd erupted in applause. The band members played original compositions such as “Susie,” a Cuban rhythmic inspired tune by trumpeter Therrien when she was just 21 years old.
All members took time to explain their love and passion for Latin music, with band members being from the Dominican Republic, Cuba and Puerto Rico. Anderson takes time at the mic to thank and explain how important his maintained connections are to these fellow musicians.
At about 8:30 p.m., the night wrapped up, and the crowd gave praise to the musicians with roaring applause.