Jazz Bands Perform Concert in Fine Arts Center

Leisha Johnson
Staff Writer

Photo by Leisha Johnson

Guitar Fun - Tim Osteen jams on the guitar during a performance of "Eggs St. Jack." Osteen performed in a Jazz Bands Concert held Tuesday, Nov. 17 in the Fine Arts Center.

   Cold weather did not stop people from coming out to see the University of Arkansas-Monticello Jazz Bands Concert held in the Fine Arts Center Tuesday, Nov. 17. 

   The night thumped as Jazz Bands I, II and III had the student body tapping their feet along with sassy beats. The bands themselves appeared “all-dolled-up” and ready to impress.

   Jazz Band III, led by Conductor Robert Fellows, hit off the night with the song, “A Little Blues, Please,” which had a low bass and terrific trombone action, giving it a buoyant tone. The next piece, “Come Sunday,” was slow and sassy. The band finished its set with the song, “Get It On,” which was hard and fast as the upbeat tune livened the atmosphere in the building.

   After a quick intermission, Les Pack, conductor for the Jazz Band II, introduced the song “Possum Valley Shuffle,” which had a toe-tapping melody. Michael Bernard and Anthony Newton led into the song playing guitar and piano, respectively. They played off each other well, keeping that jazzy rhythm flowing as the rest of the band came in. 

   The second song, “Grind Smooth,” was challenging, but the band performed wonderfully as Drew Foote played the upright electric bass and brought that special “oomph.” The drums held a nice rhythm and made the song “smooth” indeed. Easily the band led into the next song, “Harlem Nocturne,” which, according to Pack, is based on the streets of New York. The air to it was almost sad as the rhythm and tune led into a slow “stroll,” punctuated by the sensational sounds of Matt Schatz’s sexy saxophone solos. 

   The last set, “Eggs St. Jack,” was fun and fast as Tim Osteen jammed out on his guitar and Rachael Milton slammed a great solo on the drums and Anthony Newton played along on the organ.

   Conductor John Webb then proceeded to lead Jazz Band I into “Los Gatos En El Fuego,” a song created by the famous Brian Rhodes.

   Speaking on some of Rhodes’ works, of which Jazz Bands II and I played several, Webb said, “[Rhodes’] rhythm is challenging, but a lot of fun to play.”

   Spencer Davis, known for his skill with a saxophone, led into a great solo on the alto sax. Jazz Band I’s first song was hard and fast. However, their next piece, “Li’l Darlin’,” was too slow. In fact, some of the band members looked bored and sad as they waited on their section’s turn to play. Quickly, though, the next song, “El Macho Muchacho,” awakened the audience and awed them when Davis played his mini-sized saxophone.

   The crowd started tapping again when the band led into their last song of the night, “Jazz Revival.” “Revival” indeed it was. The piece held mass solos of certain sections and even a fiddle solo, played by Travis Terrell.

   Robby Johnson, a visitor to the campus and a guest at the concert, described the show as, “Jazzy baby!”

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