Jazz series starts with Ellington concert

November 14, 2005 —

by Brandon Kish

Percussionist Mike Daniels plays with twelve other jazz artists Saturday night. "An Evening of Ellington" featured famous pieces like "It Don't Mean a Thing If It Ain't Got That Swing" and "Take the A Train."

by Brandon Kish

Joe Wright plays during Saturday night's jazz concert.

Twelve jazz artists merged together for the first time Saturday night to perform pieces from the legendary Duke Ellington in the Rhea Miller Recital Hall.

The SVSU Department of Music hosted another jazz performance entitled "An Evening of Ellington." Jeff Hall, the show's director, has been appointed Jazz Artist-in-Residence and conducted the ensemble with 15 of Ellington's works.

The members of this collection were trumpet players Rob Smith, Kevin Smith and Frank Yon, trombone players Kelly Henge and Dave Kozal, reed players Joe Wright, Dave Huber and Jeff Wiles, bass player Nick Colandro, piano player Doug Decker and drums player Mike Daniels.

Each of these members has attended college in search of a music degree and has performed with many different artists around the country.

The night featured the golden sounds of Duke Ellington's masterpieces. They ranged in creation from the 1940's to the late 1950's. Such tunes included the famous "It Don't Mean a Thing If It Ain't Got That Swing," "Satin Doll," "Cottontail," and 11 others.

These songs were classic hits that incorporated blues with jazz as well as swing tempos. Hall's favorite piece was "Cottontail," composed in 1940 and based on the well-known song "I Got Rhythm."

Each artist was given the chance to show their knowledge and skills with a solo in at least one of the songs. Huber and Wright shined in the tune "I Let a Song Go Out of My Heart." Decker opened "Things Ain't What They Used to Be" with a fast-paced melody that made the crowd bob their heads and tap their feet.

The event cost $12 for general admission and $5 for students. Some of the funds will go towards the music department to buy needed stands, books and equipment.

The concert was indeed considered a success, as the Recital Hall was filled with jazz fans of all ages. Following the performance, they showed that the one and a half-hour program was not enough with a standing ovation and shouts of encore.

Hall was very pleased with the audience's support. He felt that jazz's respect and fans are slipping away.

"Thank you for coming out, because we know that this music doesn't do too well or pay that much," he said. "It's great to know that that many people still like it."

The next "Jazz Artist in Residence Concert" will be held in the Rhea Miller Recital Hall on March 18. This will be another night for the Jazz in the Valley Series.