The music department held its first jazz combos since 2019 offering performances from trombonists, guitarists, drums and pianists. PHOTO CREDIT: Nadia Sutyrina
Brilliant trombone, guitar, drums and piano entertained students, staff and the community at the first University of Rhode Island Jazz Combos Night on Tuesday in the Fine Arts Center Concert Hall.
Doors opened at 7 p.m. and entry required a QR code of a pre-paid ticket, providing easy contactless access. The doors of the concert hall opened to reveal a dazzling purple-lit stage set with instruments.
As the concert began, Emmett Goods, assistant professor of music/teacher in jazz trombone, thanked everyone for coming out for the evening for the first jazz combos night since 2019, after having been cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The students are so excited and have been practicing both virtually and in person in preparation for this performance,” said Goods.
Wyatt Crosby, bassist for the URI Latin Jazz Ensemble, explained that members of the combos were students, faculty and graduate students who wanted to learn to play jazz pieces in smaller groups.
“The directors teach us the pieces and we are then free to make them our own and add our solos,” Crosby said. “The solos are usually either improvised or [we] make them on the spot.”
Hot Rod Deluxe, the first group of the evening, consisted of five members playing various instruments. They were directed by artist/teacher in jazz trump Mark Berney and performed three pieces, “Straight No Chaser,” “Blue Bossa” and “Ease Back.” This group had a very chill vibe with lots of stunning solos. Armando Mirabal, on piano, wore a very fancy fedora with a feather in it and said he enjoyed the performance and had a lot of fun.
Next up was The McKenna Group (The McKenna Five) directed by John McKenna, artist/teacher in jazz saxophone. Ted Kutcher III, on piano, announced the members of the band as well as the pieces to be performed, “Whisper Not,” “Bouncin’ With Bud” and “Witch Hunt.” This combo also consisted of five members playing various instruments. This group made me feel like I was in a French coffeehouse sipping a cup of joe. Their pieces were very upbeat and bouncy and “Witch Hunt” had a spooky Halloween vibe with powerful drumming by Brent Moynahan.
The third combo to perform was the URI Jazz Guitar Ensemble, directed by Jay Azzolina, artist/teacher in jazz guitar, that consisted of six members all on guitar. They performed “Recorda Me,” “Corcovado” and “Yes or No.” This group had a very different sound since it was an all-guitar group that reminded me of a movie soundtrack with lots of fantastic solos from the guitarists.
The next combo was the URI Latin Jazz Ensemble directed by Zaccai Curtis, artist/teacher in jazz piano. This group consisted of nine members on various instruments and Curtis himself on the cowbell. Curtis announced the group chose “Cuban [jazz] pieces from mostly the 1940s” as they performed “Jazzin,’” “Woody’n You” and “Cuban Fantasy.” Being a bigger group, they had a strong sound and a classic jazz feel with plenty of amazing solos that will make you want to dance.
The fifth and final combo to perform was The Zinno Group directed by David Zinno, artist/teacher in jazz string bass. They performed “Seven Steps to Heaven,” “Unknown Mystery” and “Joshua.” Daniel Mach-Holt on trombone announced the six members of the group playing various instruments. This combo had a very fast tempo and high energy, featuring a lot of solos and a rhythmic swing beat.
URI Music will be holding performances throughout the rest of the fall semester. For a full list of upcoming events visit the music department’s website.