On Saturday, Nov. 9, the Lawrence University Jazz Band, the Lawrence University Jazz Ensemble (LUJE) and the Jazz and Gender Equity Initiative Combo (JGEI) performed in the Lawrence Memorial Chapel at 1:30 p.m.
The Lawrence University Jazz Band opened the concert. Directed by Instructor of Music Patty Darling, it consists of saxophones (altos Clara Hall and Lydia Harrington, tenors Elden Lemke and Jonah White, baritone Heriberto Velez), trumpets (Adam Martin, Matthew Vross, Alexander Paster-Zweibach, Ada Tuszynski, Aimee Patch), trombones (Liam Berry, Jackson Guha, Bella Walker, Ian Mackey, Elizabeth Williams), and the rhythm section (Daniel Vizin-Esquivel on guitar, Jacob Hanekamp as ‘vibes,’ Peter Weyers on piano, Owen Bakker on bass, Dan Schmidt on drums).
Together, they played Sonny Rollins’ “St. Thomas,” an upbeat jazzy tune. Trombonist Ian Mackey and pianist junior Peter Weyers each had their respective moments within the song. “St. Thomas” is saxophonist Sonny Rollins’ most well-known instrumental, though it’s based on the Bahamian folksong “Sponger Money” and the traditional English song “The Lincolnshire Poacher.” The former became a nursery song in the Virgin Islands, so Rollins grew up listening to his mother singing it to him as a child.
Next, they played Annie Booth’s “Sagebrush,” with senior Jacob Hanekamp on vibes and Daniel Vizin-Esquivel on guitar. This piece is an homage to the state flower of Nevada! It’s slow, bluesy and simple. The Jazz Band’s last song was Walter Becker and Donald Fagan’s “Two Against Nature.” This final piece featured Associate Professor of Music and Director of Jazz Studies José Encarnación on tenor saxophone. “Nature” was arranged by Fred Sturm, who was a jazz educator and composer that led the jazz department for many years. The song was dedicated to him.
The Jazz and Gender Equity Initiative Combo took the stage next. JGEI is a group that strives to promote a safe space and a welcoming environment for all identities in the Lawrence Jazz Department. They try to uplift women and non-binary people’s contributions to the jazz art form. During the concert, they had a bake sale fundraiser in the Conservatory basement to raise money to fight food insecurity in local communities. The group consists of women and non-binary musicians who give performances on and off campus, and they play pieces from women and non-binary composers. JGEI performed Bria Skonberg’s “Down in the Deep.” Skonberg is a notable contemporary Canadian jazz trumpeter and vocalist.
JGEI consists of clarinetist Clara Hall, alto saxophonist Lydia Harrington, baritone saxophonist Mackenna Olson; trumpets Taylor Nordeng, Ada Tuszynski, Aimee Patch; trombone Elizabeth Williams, pianist Elise Ross, harpist Yvie Radaza, bassist Vivian Shanley, drummer Jozelle Filippi. According to the concert program, “JGEI honors individuals that have historically been excluded as the creators of jazz and aims to expand representations within the Jazz Department and the BMA program by welcoming musicians of all identities.” They meet weekly on Fridays from 12:30-1:30 p.m. in Andrew Commons, and their meetings are open to everyone! They also have various events, such as weekly jam sessions, field trips to local jazz performances and their annual bake sale for food charity.
The Lawrence University Jazz Ensemble then had their turn, playing Michael Philip Mossman’s “57th St. Mambo,” followed by Oscar Hernandez’s Rumba Urbana, which featured junior Owen Finch on piano. The group closed with “Golpe de Cumaco” by Luis Perdomo, with Finch on piano, Charlie White on trombone, and Nico Hernandez-Webster on tenor saxophone.
The jazz ensemble consists of saxophones (altos Garrett Myers and Justin Rydberg, tenors Nico Hernandez-Webster and Emelyn Beaster, baritone Devin Hessler), trumpets (Taylor Nordeng, Joey O’Connor, Noah Ament, Eli Wikre), trombones (Jake Baron, Charlie White, Thomas McGowan, Mallory Meyer, William Gear), the rhythm section (guitarist Hana Ramos, pianist Owen Finch, bassist Ben Lewis, drummer Tyler Donnelly), and Latin percussion (Brianna Castillo on timbal, Jacob Hanekamp on conga, and Jake Bartelme playing bongos, cowbell, and chekere).
Everyone played wonderfully! As always, keep your eyes peeled for events in the Conservatory!