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Printer-Friendly ModeSVSU jazz series continues
December 12, 2005 —
Director Jeff Hall was back again on Thursday, December 8 directing the SVSU Jazz Ensemble in the Rhea Miller Recital Hall. This time, he conducted students that worked throughout the semester to put together the program.
The guest star during this performance was percussionist John Hill, who has a widespread experience teaching as well as playing jazz.
Hill studied at Central Michigan University and has traveled with the CMU Jazz group overseas to Europe.
"He is one of Michigan's best jazz drummers," Hall said at the show.
Before Hill was introduced, the SVSU Jazz Ensemble performed seven songs that included the famous tunes "Clarinet Lament" by Duke Ellington and the night's opener "Moanin" by Quincy Jones.
Highlighting the show were soloists Joel Wiseman, Scott Tuttle, Brandon Deike and Joe Kuzdzal. Dazzled with his remarkable talents, the audience applauded Hall for his jaw-dropping solo in one of his favorite Ellington tunes "Sophisticated Lady."
"You may recognize this song from the Jazz Artist in Residence Series, but tonight we will do it a little differently," Hall said to the audience.
Joining the above soloists were Diane Meyer, Larry Dumond, and Patrick Yagiela on saxophones. Trumpet players included Wendy Zick and Matt Fogal. Matt Kam, Abraham Alburg, Rick Bartrug, Troy Bergman and Jeremy Swaney held together the trombone section. On the piano were Eve Malan, Jodi Sheltraw and Michael Gray. Joining Hill on the drums were Jewel Pearson and Steve Nyquist.
After Intermission, Hill performed a couple of outstanding performances with a jazz trio that featured Hall on the piano and bass player Eric Markley. They played "A Child Is Born" and "Lucky Southern."
The Ensemble joined the trio on stage for a three-selection finale that included Thad Jones' "Us," John Moss' "At Bakers," and Sammy Nestico's "Ev'ry Little Beat Helps."
"I had a good time spending time with the band talking about what a professional artist is," Hill said. "Being a professional means being both a teacher and a performer."
Hill was honored to be a guest in the SVSU Jazz Ensemble.
"I would like to thank Jeff Hall for the invitation," he said. "This is my first time being featured as a guest."
The 90-minute program concluded with a Christmas tune that was just for the audience's own enjoyment to put them in the season's spirit.
Hall and the SVSU Department of Music will perform once more next semester on March 18 for the conclusion of the Jazz Artist-in-Residence series.