By Zach Perras-Duenas
A class is divided into two sextets, made up of students from a CCSU music class was the centerpiece for the Jazz Combo Concert last Thursday night.
CCSU’s Music 147B class, Improvisatory Jazz Ensemble, directed by Tom Melito, hosted the performance in Torp Theatre.
Each group played a total of five songs, with arrangements in the mix by composers like Wayne Shorter, J.J. Johnson and Bill Evans. Some of the songs played included “Footprints” by Shorter, “Peri’s Scope” and “Interplay” by Evans and “Lady Bird” by Tadd Dameron.
Jeff Spitzer, a senior majoring in Jazz Studies, has been playing trombone for 12 years and plays with the ensemble. He’s been studying jazz seriously for the past year while taking lessons under Scott Bean.
“Of the tunes that we played, my favorite is probably “Lament” by J.J. Johnson,” Spitzer said. “The changes in that tune make it stand out from a lot of other ballads. The head isn’t all that tricky, though, which leaves a lot of room for inflections and some quick lines.”
Spitzer explained how the traditional jazz combo style allows the band to have trombone, alto and tenor saxophones, trumpet, guitar, bass guitar, and a drum set. There can be also be a piano player, but CCSU’s combo did not have one.
While the two groups are composed of mostly music majors, students who are not in the major can join as well. Admission to the group is by audition only, however, which applies to majors and non-majors. The only requirement is that anyone auditioning must know how to read music.
The sister class to the improvisation class, Music 147A, Traditional Jazz Ensemble, has its concert this coming Thursday Dec. 9 at 7:30 p.m. in Torp Theatre. The class, directed by Dr. Carl Knox, will play in the form of Big Band jazz.