Tarleton’s Jazz Ensemble once again gave a riveting performance on the evening of Feb. 21 in a concert featuring the music of Stan Kenton, a favorite jazz musician of Director Greg Ball’s childhood. Both Jazz Ensembles I and II not only gave impressive and stirring performances, but also showcased some serious talent.

Before the show started, the ladies and gentlemen of music service organization Tau Beta Sigma provided a reception with refreshments of desserts, punch and hot coffee. Along with goodies, concertgoers were entertained by the sounds of a small jazz combo featuring the likes of Dr. Gary Westbrook, Director of Athletic Bands, on drum set, and jazz band director Greg Ball on the saxophone and flute.

The group was set up in the art gallery, which is currently featuring the art of Stephen Wilson, a good friend of Greg Ball and designer of TSU Jazz concert flyers. This made for a nice, colorful, excitingly musical atmosphere for the evening.

Jazz II opened the program with a solo by pianist Logan Fraser on the chart, “Stan Kenton ‘Hits’ Medley”. There were four parts to this piece, the first titled “Eager Beaver” and ending with “Artistry in Rhythm.” Each section took turns standing together to feature their parts throughout, beginning with the saxophones, then trombones and trumpets, really letting it rip.

About mid-way through the piece, all of the trumpets set down their horns and exchanged them for a different percussion instrument, much to the delight of the audience.

Director Greg Ball took a moment to talk about the set-up of the ensemble, which was a bit different from the usual arrangement. Rather than a typical jazz section arrangement, the different instruments were placed in a way to provide a more “stereo” sound, with saxophones to the left, trumpets in the middle, low brass to the right, and most interestingly, percussion directly in front. This not only established a new sound, but also made the stage very aesthetically pleasing, since every member of the ensemble could be seen. The band was set-up just like a Kenton band from back in the day, minus the “blue leisure suits.”

“Down and Dirty” was the second song performed, throughout which percussionist Sam White was very attentive as he laid beats down on the drum set. Garrett Hagan played a neat solo, which was interrupted by a big full-band breakdown, which the audience started to nod and jam along to. There were pleasant low sounds coming from the baritone sax and bass guitar as Hagan finished up his moment in the spotlight. The song ended on a fun trombone slide, soon followed by plentiful applause.

Much of the time between songs, Ball shared his stories of seeing the Stan Kenton Band back in his younger days with the audience. Although there were slight problems with the microphone, of which he jokingly expressed his need of a new one to concert attendee President F. Dominic Dottavio, the stories of his time as a child hunting down the band members for autographs were entertaining and provided for some good laughs.

The band then played Kenton’s take on the classic hit, “My Funny Valentine.” The opening featured a beautiful, bold melody played by soloist Johnathen Standifer on the muted trumpet, with a wonderful, hefty background provided by the trombones. The harmonies of the saxes were especially nice to hear. Another simple, sweet solo by Logan Fraser on piano, a single feature from Emily Smith on tuba, and a crescendo from the percussion made for an exceptional ending to the piece.

The group’s last piece, “Pegasus,” once again featured Hagan on trumpet, as well as Rudy Whitsel on alto saxophone. The song opened on a cool note thanks to a bass groove provided by guitarist Jason Smith, and led to an interesting exchange between the soloists and bari sax player Victor Becerra.

Garrett’s solo was even better than his previous improvisation, and Rudy put lots of movement and feeling into his solo. Jazz II had quite an impressive sound for being the “second” group, and left the stage with much applause and approval from the audience.

After a short intermission, Jazz I took the stage with the tune “Intermission Riff,” which was quite fitting. The playful mood of the piece was set with an exchange between piano soloist Emily Burton and bassist Mark Frank, leading up to solos from bari saxophonist Fredy Gonzales and Chris Gaitan on alto sax. Both saxes owned the stage in their featured moments and were very impressive.

Ball took a moment before the next piece to talk about the famous names of jazz, such as Maynard Ferguson, who got their start with the Stan Kenton Band.

“Artistry Jumps” began with the saxes and trombones building up suspense, with the help of the trumpets, leading up to a loud blasting high point that certainly wasn’t too “in-your-face.” Jacob Wright was featured on the tenor sax, whose playing rang through cleanly. A sneaky, fun trombone riff then followed his solo.

The next song, “Love for Sale,” began with the trumpets once again donning various percussion instruments, which they played very well. It was evident by the looks on their faces and exchanged smiles that this was a lot of fun for them. Destin Chapman played a lovely trombone solo, followed by a riveting duet between Jonathan Macklin on trumpet and Jason Smith on sax.

A loud drum set and bongo buildup eventually brought the piece up and up until its ending that almost seemed too soon. Percussionists Johnny Philp and PJ Ramirez put insane amounts of effort and musicality into their parts and exchanged exhausted yet satisfied glances once the piece ended.

“A Little Minor Booze” featured soloists Emily Burton and Destin Chapman once again. The piece started off quietly and soon progressed more loudly, led by the trombones. Jason Smith was also featured on the alto sax, who played an absolutely seamless solo, which received many cheers from the crowd. Kara Rodden soon followed with a solo on trumpet, which was very well done.

Things slowed down and took a bit of a turn when the band started playing “Yesterdays,” a ballad. It was a slow, steady piece that featured Jacob Wright once again, playing a flowing tenor sax solo. The percussionists effortlessly exchanged between sticks and mallets to create the many different sounds the piece called for. The piece ended after Jacob’s solo of many notes breezed by, which was a perfect way to close.

“Peanut Vendor” was a fun, light-hearted piece that was obviously a favorite of the trombone section, since they were practically bouncing in their chairs along with their part. Trombonist Destin Chapman once again played a bold, well-done solo. Also featured were sharply dressed Corey Warthman, “and his bowtie,” as he was introduced. Warthman played a smooth, clean guitar part, which received cheers from the crowd.

The last song of the night was “Malaguena.” It incorporated in the involvement of Tarleton’s best French horn players, including Elyssa Munden and Kevin Delavergne. Trumpet Johnathen Standifer and trombonist Jake Shackelford also switched out their usual jazz instruments to show off their multi-instrumental talent and play French horn for the piece. The horns heralded from the beginning and gave the piece an even fuller sound.

As the music built up, it didn’t take long for the audience, including myself, to start tapping and nodding along once again. Michael Hampel played a wonderfully strong tenor sax solo, which eventually brought the piece and the concert to its powerful end.

The bands received a well-deserved standing ovation. These musicians are definitely going places, and I feel privileged to have seen them perform in their time at Tarleton. The concert was certainly enjoyable, and as always, I am looking forward to what is next from TSU Jazz.