The Oakland University Latin Jazz Ensemble and the Oakland University Big Band performed their semi annual recitals in Varner Recital Hall to share the sensational tradition of their respective genres to more than 150 attendees.
Led by professors Patrick Fitzgibbon and Amanda Ross, the two jazz groups share a stage each semester to showcase music beyond the classical repertoire. For many students, these ensembles provide a laid-back environment to sit back, relax and jam with fellow musicians.
The first half of the evening began with the Latin Jazz Ensemble, under the direction of Fitzgibbon. Each piece performed features numerous solos demonstrating the rhythmic and dynamic capabilities of each performer. Matthew Perkins received some major applause in “Una Mas” — a funky cha cha tune — following their tremendously executed passage work.
“So Nice” and “Berimbau,” both belonging to the Brazilian bossa nova style, featured vocals by Isabella Barba, a senior majoring in interdisciplinary studies. Barba is a multi-instrumentalist, playing violin, piano and singing. In both English and Portuguese, she possessed a smooth, enchanting tone that songs like “The Girl From Ipanema” demonstrate.
“I really love singing in Portuguese or Spanish, because they are such romantic languages,” Barba said. “Usually, I am staring at either the violin or locked in at the piano. But with singing, I can look out at everyone and interact with the audience.”
“Berimbau” also highlighted the Brazilian instrument of the same name — a wooden bow, metal wire and gourd resonator — played by Donovan Marlin. To produce sound, the musician strikes the wire with a stick while changing tones by moving a stone, adjusting it against the player’s body. Succeeding a gorgeous vocal section with extensive berimbau accompaniment, an equally beautiful piano interlude was played by music technology major Maddy Weil.
Additionally, Weil experimented with the steel pans during “Dance Class.” The piece was written by Andy Narell, a dear friend of the OU School of Music, Theatre and Dance (SMTD) community. An artist from St. Lucia, he volunteered his time teaching OU students about the instrument when they study abroad on the outrageously stunning island.
Incredible drumming was completed by master student Wil Angliss, who performed his last concert with the group. Erin Tomczak on vibes and Joe Willard on bass kept everyone together with their steady beat, and they certainly wowed the audience with their improvisational skills as well.
After the intermission, Ross introduced the Big Band. With more than 20 musicians, the group opened with “Backrow Politics,” written by the late, highly acclaimed jazz artist Gordon Goodwin. The roaring brass sound had a striking resemblance to the brass lines in Pixar’s “The Incredibles” — a film which won Goodwin a Grammy. Solos were delivered by Je’lyn Higgins on alto saxophone with shredding piano improvisation by Adam Scarchilli.
To contrast the opening, the low humming beauty of the jazz standard “I Remember Clifford” resonated with concertgoers. Written as a tribute to Clifford Brown, Amanda Eatherton was the featured soloist on flugelhorn. Her control and fluidity marked a heartwarming moment in the evening. Mike Benoit played cascading harmonies on piano that paired perfectly with Eatherton’s exquisite interpretation.
Martyna Gogołkiewicz, double major in piano performance and piano pedagogy with a jazz minor, sang “Falling in Love with Love,” a staple sung by artists like Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald and Diana Krall. With a voice as smooth as butter, she had an absolutely glorious tone. The famous saxophone solo was played to complete perfection by Adam Gregerson.
“Airport Codes” by Aubrey Logan, transcribed by OU alumna Cayla Stus, succeeded the classic. Mike Benoit on piano and Joe Willard on bass supported Gogołkiewicz’s lines about “LAX, JFK, CDG and LGA.”
“I used to play with a big band in high school, so coming back to this kind of environment in college was the ultimate thrill for me,” Gogołkiewicz said. “The music combined with the adrenaline of a huge audience is the most magical experience for a performer.”
More vocals continued with Carlos Perez-Hijar, instrumental performance major and graduating senior, singing “Beyond the Sea.” The enormous brass interludes made the perfect pairing with his suave vocals as he played trumpet in between.
“It has been a pleasure to work with this group over the years,” Perez-Hijar said. “The rehearsals for ‘Beyond the Sea’ were part of such a transformative process, and I’m so glad I was able to sing a piece that both the audience and I loved.”
“To You,” written by Pontiac, Michigan composer Thad Jones, featured Axel DiCarlantonio on trombone, and “Time for a Change” by Hank Levy featured senior tenor saxophone soloist Thomas Baker.
Now the closing of the concert: nothing short of flawless. Master student Dallas Kelly opened virtuoso jazz artist Charles Mingus’ “Moanin’” with a commanding baritone saxophone solo. A vibrant piece overall, there was even a trombone duel between DiCarlantonio and Tony Gratti. Audience members were hollering and clapping from their seats, rooting for the ending of the spectacular evening.
“They [the two groups] all did an excellent job tonight,” Joseph Walkup, Wayne County resident, said. “They are phenomenal, and that’s putting it lightly. I have been in multiple bands myself as a drummer, and I can positively say that these bands are pure, flat-out excellent; this performance went far above and beyond what I have ever seen.”
Kelly stepped off stage with immense pride after a roaring finish and was honored to share the stage with the talented musicians he calls “great friends.”
“I myself did not choose this piece, but when it was presented, I was selected to be the soloist right away,” Kelly said. “I am so grateful for the faith that Amanda had in me. I absolutely loved playing it, and especially the opening.”
For more jazz-influence concerts in the SMTD, be sure to check out the Jazz Combos and Creative Jazz Ensemble concert on Tuesday, April 7 at 7:30 p.m, and the Golden Grizzly and Blue Grizzly Jazz Singers concert on Sunday, April 12 at 7 p.m. — both in Varner Recital Hall.
