The Jazz Ensemble filled the Bicknell Family Center for the Arts with their blues rhythms and smooth brass Wednesday night as the group performed a free concert that paid tribute to legendary artists Nestico, Rosolino, Russo, Simons, Hamilton, Mangione, Baylock, Razaf, and Abene.
The group, directed by Todd Hastings, performed a set of nine pieces during the hour-long concert. Although the turnout was a little smaller than usual, the audience clapped along to nearly every song.
The concert opened with “Magic Flea” by Sammy Nestico, a bright and energetic piece that immediately highlighted the group’s dynamic range. Each section played with precision, creating a swinging vibe for the night of classical and contemporary jazz.
Hastings led the audience through the program, offering short introductions to the soloists and details of the songs before being played. He provided an insight into the inspiration behind the selections while keeping it conversational and lighthearted.
A highlight of the night came when Jocelyn Goodwin, a senior majoring in music performance, came up to the front of the stage to sing in “How High the Moon” by Nancy Hamilton. Her vocals added a classic touch that blended into the night’s theme of honoring jazz legends.
“We’re going to move on to a real earworm,” Hastings said before the ensemble began a rendition of “Christopher Columbus,” arranged by jazz composer and saxophonist Bob Mintzer. Hastings explained his own connection to the piece, remembering the first time he heard it live.
“I heard this a long time ago when I was in Aspen, Colorado,” Hastings said. “The guest artist was Bob Mintzer at this jazz festival, and he was leading a band. It’s just one of those tunes you’re going to sing all the way home.”
The audience participated in an interactive section of rhythmic clapping.
The ensemble ended the event with “Fox Hunt,” composed by Michael Abene, featuring the soloists Dallas Hall, a sophomore majoring in music education, and Ben Musgraves, a grad student. The crowd rose for a standing ovation. Hastings thanked the audience for their ongoing support, as well as his appreciation for the Department of Music.
An attendee voiced their gratitude for the program. “It was nice,” Bill Greig, a community member of Pittsburg said. “They were a really good group.”