Jazz Ensemble Offers Vocal Variation
Jason Raiche
Issue date: 5/6/09 Section: Entertainment
Soothing. Relaxing. Innovating. These three words perfectly describe the mood, tone and content of one of the world's major music genres: jazz. Jazz has been maintained throughout the years by the likes of musicians Louis Armstrong and Etta James, and continues today with jazz-influenced pop artists Michael Bublé and Adele. In fact, jazz was so popular when it was being developed that it created an entire set of subgenres like swing music, bebop, Latin jazz, jazz-rock fusion and acid jazz. Because of jazz's immense influence, it is only appropriate that St. Norbert College would offer a night of music comprised of only jazz tunes at its Vocal Jazz Ensemble Concert held Friday, April 17 in Walter Theatre.
As the concert began, director and St. Norbert College adjunct instructor Bethany Thier introduced the three prevalent themes of the night's jazz tunes: the Depression/war era, love and Latin America.
Then the 11-member ensemble opened with Eddie DeLange's "Do You Know What it Means to Miss New Orleans" showcasing soloists Francis Beaumier and Luke Aumann. In addition, the song featured Justin Wrezesinski on trumpet, Mackenzie Laska on bass, Andrea Cress on clarinet and Jacob Van Dyke on trombone. Kent Paulsen also accompanied each song that was performed that night on the piano.
What was especially interesting about the vocal jazz concert was that it allowed soloists and small groups to perform, which added more variety than other music events in the past.
Highlights of the evening included Ben Rogaczewski's rendition of Billie Holiday's 1941 war-era hit single "God Bless the Child." Rogaczewski added his own spin to the song making it sound different from other recordings of the classic track. His vocal control and voice truly did the song justice.
Jacquie Aebly's version of Arthur Altman's love song "All or Nothing at All" made me especially relaxed and left me wanting more. Her vocal quality is outstanding, fitting that of many jazz artists, and certainly tricked me into thinking I was at a jazz club listening to a legend perform.
As the concert began, director and St. Norbert College adjunct instructor Bethany Thier introduced the three prevalent themes of the night's jazz tunes: the Depression/war era, love and Latin America.
Then the 11-member ensemble opened with Eddie DeLange's "Do You Know What it Means to Miss New Orleans" showcasing soloists Francis Beaumier and Luke Aumann. In addition, the song featured Justin Wrezesinski on trumpet, Mackenzie Laska on bass, Andrea Cress on clarinet and Jacob Van Dyke on trombone. Kent Paulsen also accompanied each song that was performed that night on the piano.
What was especially interesting about the vocal jazz concert was that it allowed soloists and small groups to perform, which added more variety than other music events in the past.
Highlights of the evening included Ben Rogaczewski's rendition of Billie Holiday's 1941 war-era hit single "God Bless the Child." Rogaczewski added his own spin to the song making it sound different from other recordings of the classic track. His vocal control and voice truly did the song justice.
Jacquie Aebly's version of Arthur Altman's love song "All or Nothing at All" made me especially relaxed and left me wanting more. Her vocal quality is outstanding, fitting that of many jazz artists, and certainly tricked me into thinking I was at a jazz club listening to a legend perform.
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