Jazz Ensemble Offers Vocal Variation
Jason Raiche
Issue date: 5/6/09 Section: Entertainment
Francis Beaumier's solo on Latin jazz tune "Besame Mucho," which translates into "kiss me a lot," hit the mark and only deepened my interest in listening to music sung in foreign languages-in this case, Spanish.
It would also be a mistake for me not to mention Tanya Pollard's take on Peggy Lee and Dave Barbour's "I Don't Know Enough About You." Pollard truly entertained the audience with not only her country-style voice but also her gestures and movements around stage.
Additionally, Betsy Holterman's beautiful interpretation of George Gershwin's "Someone to Watch Over Me" was heartfelt; her vibrato-infused vocals only added to her performance.
Soloists Jon O'Brien, Aumann, Alisa Christensen, Tessa August and Anna Vanderloop all worked their vocal magic as well, pleasing the entire audience with spectacular interpretations of other jazz classics, while additional small group performances sounded flawless.
I especially liked the back-and-forth singing of Jacob Yorton and Holterman on "They Can't Take that Away from Me," which references that although someone may be physically separated from you, you cannot replace or take away the memories you shared.
August, Christensen and Pollard's rendition of "Cry Me a River" sounded spectacular as well, with its harmonies and melodies intertwining, putting a smile on my face.
My favorite performance of the night, however, was the entire ensemble's performance of Pablo Ruiz's "Sway," which featured Yorton and Thier on the conga drums. This song, in particular, showcased the strengths of each person's individual talents and how they combine to form a beautiful sound on such a foot-tapping tune.
I wish St. Norbert College put on more vocal jazz ensemble concerts. Their laid-back atmosphere in allowing both solo and group performances in addition to entire-ensemble numbers created a novelty concert format, one that differs from other St. Norbert concerts I have attended. The night allowed me to sit back, relax and enjoy the soothing sounds of a genre of music that allows more innovation and improvisation than other genres. Jazz's relaxing, soothing and innovative qualities alone will surely keep me coming back for more.
It would also be a mistake for me not to mention Tanya Pollard's take on Peggy Lee and Dave Barbour's "I Don't Know Enough About You." Pollard truly entertained the audience with not only her country-style voice but also her gestures and movements around stage.
Additionally, Betsy Holterman's beautiful interpretation of George Gershwin's "Someone to Watch Over Me" was heartfelt; her vibrato-infused vocals only added to her performance.
Soloists Jon O'Brien, Aumann, Alisa Christensen, Tessa August and Anna Vanderloop all worked their vocal magic as well, pleasing the entire audience with spectacular interpretations of other jazz classics, while additional small group performances sounded flawless.
I especially liked the back-and-forth singing of Jacob Yorton and Holterman on "They Can't Take that Away from Me," which references that although someone may be physically separated from you, you cannot replace or take away the memories you shared.
August, Christensen and Pollard's rendition of "Cry Me a River" sounded spectacular as well, with its harmonies and melodies intertwining, putting a smile on my face.
My favorite performance of the night, however, was the entire ensemble's performance of Pablo Ruiz's "Sway," which featured Yorton and Thier on the conga drums. This song, in particular, showcased the strengths of each person's individual talents and how they combine to form a beautiful sound on such a foot-tapping tune.
I wish St. Norbert College put on more vocal jazz ensemble concerts. Their laid-back atmosphere in allowing both solo and group performances in addition to entire-ensemble numbers created a novelty concert format, one that differs from other St. Norbert concerts I have attended. The night allowed me to sit back, relax and enjoy the soothing sounds of a genre of music that allows more innovation and improvisation than other genres. Jazz's relaxing, soothing and innovative qualities alone will surely keep me coming back for more.
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