On Thursday night, the Tarleton State University jazz bands put on their annual “Great American Songbook” concert, under the direction of Greg Ball. Jazz ensemble II started off the evening with a piece that had a good rhythm to it, with a solo by Matt Daigle on the trumpet and Albert Crews on the saxophone.

Stand out performances of Jazz Ensemble II were Ashley Darby, in her second year singing with the Jazz Ensemble, singing a classic “At Last”, accompanied by soloist Tristan Shipp on the saxophone; and newcomer to singing with the Jazz Ensemble, Nathan Early, who sang a Frank Sinatra classic “Fly Me To The Moon”.

After a quick break to reset, Jazz Ensemble I heated up the evening with a great starting song called “Mire-ly A Minor Blues” with solos by Austin Whaley and Ste’fon Landers on saxophone, and Destin Chapman on the trombone.

Stand out performances of Jazz Ensemble I were senior Ashley Morrison, in her fourth year with the Jazz Ensemble, singing “It Had Better Be Tonight”, and Channing Parker, in her second year with the Jazz Ensemble, singing “The Best Is Yet To Come”.

The stars of the night, however, were Jacob Humphries, in his third year singing with the Jazz Ensemble, singing “All I Do Is Dream Of You” originally recorded by Michael Buble, with a little ensemble help from the band in the background.

The final vocalist of the night brought the house down. Beth Rugg, in her first time as a solo vocalist and performing with the Jazz Ensemble, sang a classic “Fever” and brought the audience to their feet with an outstanding performance. Overall, the night was an entertaining and fabulous time that was had by all.