Went to a wonderful concert last night. The SOSU Jazz Ensemble performed their “World Tour 2007 Kickoff Concert. Director Michael A. Miles explained that the “world tour” was actually a trip to Texas, but Texas is big enough to be another country. Miles said this group is one of the most talented he has ever directed. We were especially impressed by the saxophone players and soloist Vance Davis. We had heard Vance sing with the Chorale, but he just gets better and better.
Last night’s concert included “Blues in Hoss Flat”, “Sing, Sang, Sung”, “It Had to Be You”, “Fiesta Bahia”, and one of my favorites “Cruisin’ for a Bluesin’”. I was also touched by their performance of “America”, a wonderful tune we don’t hear often enough.
The ensemble included Tyler Ladd, Chris Dickson, Joe Gatlin, Christina Modjeski, and Sean Batey on saxophone. On the trumpets were Mark Price, John Vietta, Ryan Steward, Joel Goodman, and Keith Nichols. Trombones were played by Justin Vaughn, Jesse Speer, Adam Hanna, Tim Fulton, and Thomas Carpenter. The rhythm section included Walton McMurry, Mason Perkins, and Derek Fleeman, with Randy Westmoreland on bass. The keyboard player for the evening was adjunct professor Mike Cantwell, who is featured each week at a restaurant in Denison.
Remember, this is just a small part of the spring music schedule for SOSU. If you are in the area Zephyros Winds will be performing February 15th at 7:30 in the Fine Arts Recital Hall. I’ll see you there!
P.S. Mark your calendars for Jazz Fest, April 21. Details later.
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