Al Strong, Rahsaan and Roland Barber, Stephen Anderson, Jason Foureman, and Kobie Watkins played at UNC’s Moeser Auditorium Monday night. It was the first performance of 2023’s UNC Summer Jazz Workshop’s nightly concerts, featuring trumpeter Al Strong’s original compositions as well as his take on a few classic jazz tunes.
The first song of the night, “Lullaby for the Ancestors,” begins with all six performers blaring in unison before gradually becoming sweet and melodious. The arrangement then becomes quiet to make room for solos.
The trumpet comes first, followed by the bass. All the while, drummer Watkins’ hands bounce in a syncopated rhythm from the rim of his snare to his hi-hat. Strong and the Barbers follow in unison, the sound of brass and saxophone blending richly.
Anderson’s piano solo follows, featuring an erratic and unending stream of syncopated notes, a perfect bridge from the previous brassy tones. The ensemble crescendos before cutting off suddenly and Rahsaan Barber picks up repetitive runs on his saxophone. All goes quiet for Strong’s bluesy trumpet solo before an enormous crescendo that seamlessly blends into a fresh take on “The Itsy Bitsy Spider.”
Throughout the entire performance, the musicians’ love for their craft is evident on their faces. Each player nods their head and furrows their brow in appreciation for each other’s solos. Watkins is constantly beaming, and I wonder how his arms never tire as he expertly keeps the beat. Foureman’s entire body follows his hands as they rhythmically bounce up and down his bass.
Highlights from the night include Roland Barber’s imposing and elephant-like improvisations on trombone, as well as the equally impactful quiet and breathy moments Strong created with whisper tones on trumpet.
Perhaps the best moment of the concert was the final blues song, which featured the audience’s participation. Strong encouraged the crowd to clap along to the beat as well as created a call and response. He beams at the conclusion, announcing that we successively chased off the blues. The audience reciprocates his enthusiasm with a standing ovation.
Monday’s concert set a high standard of artistic excellence as the workshop looks forward to the rest of the week’s performances.