2008 Woodie Awards
URI Jazz Program puts on a swinging show
Alyssa Smith
Issue date: 12/5/07 Section: Entertainment
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12/05/07 - The sounds of old Storyville and New Orleans' jazz were resonating from the Fine Arts Center, courtesy of the screaming horns and sultry saxophones of the URI Music Program, at its Fall Jazz Concert Friday.
The program for Friday's show was a traditional jazz and big band performance that covered everything from the early blues to the swing era.
The traditional jazz band comprised faculty and students performing classic blues and early jazz pieces. With instruments like the banjo, tuba and clarinet, the show was reminiscent of being onboard a tugboat, crossing the waters of the Mississippi.
The vocalist, Judy Kinnie, attempted (with several technical difficulties) to channel Bessie Smith's strong voice and presence. However, Kinnie's rendition of "Honeysuckle Rose," whose suggestive lyrics include such lines as "don't buy sugar, you just have to touch my cup" made me feel as if I were in attendance at an awkward wedding anniversary.
And although traditional blues songs were notorious for lacing lyrics with themes of copulation, I might have felt more comfortable if there was a fellow student singing.
Luckily, Kinnie's naughty lyrics didn't overshadow the next song, "Petite Fleur," a nice change in tempo with a tango-like beat that made me want to put a rose in my mouth and dance. The Traditional Jazz Band ended with the Dixieland classic "When the Saints Go Marching In," which was a fitting and jolly finale.
After a brief intermission and some tweaking of the sound system, the show continued with the Big Band. The larger ensemble and presence of more horns made it obvious that this portion of the show would be swinging a lot harder than the traditional ensemble. The show started off with "Count Bubba's Revenge," complete with a high-pitched brass section that set the tone for the classic call-and-response style of big band music.
Student Addie Archambault provided lovely vocals for songs like Gershwin's "Summertime" and Billie Holiday's "Mean to Me," executing the tunes with the help of a resolute and tight band.
One of the highlights was a song by Bill Holman, "Bumps," which due to the thumping bass, sounded like the theme song to a '70s cop and robber show. Following "Bumps" was the Duke Ellington piece "Star Crossed Lovers," which began and ended with a cool piano solo that was eerie, yet divine. Drummer Charles Kalajian hit the skins with a gritty finesse while the dueling saxophones, trumpets and trombones carried out the last tune, "Cut N' Run," with pizzazz.
As someone who appreciates jazz, I found the show to be a nice way to kick off a Friday night. And considering the concert was a measly $2 with student ID, what's not to like? The jazz music program will have another show tomorrow. So go dig on some hip jazz, cat, before it's too late.
The program for Friday's show was a traditional jazz and big band performance that covered everything from the early blues to the swing era.
The traditional jazz band comprised faculty and students performing classic blues and early jazz pieces. With instruments like the banjo, tuba and clarinet, the show was reminiscent of being onboard a tugboat, crossing the waters of the Mississippi.
The vocalist, Judy Kinnie, attempted (with several technical difficulties) to channel Bessie Smith's strong voice and presence. However, Kinnie's rendition of "Honeysuckle Rose," whose suggestive lyrics include such lines as "don't buy sugar, you just have to touch my cup" made me feel as if I were in attendance at an awkward wedding anniversary.
And although traditional blues songs were notorious for lacing lyrics with themes of copulation, I might have felt more comfortable if there was a fellow student singing.
Luckily, Kinnie's naughty lyrics didn't overshadow the next song, "Petite Fleur," a nice change in tempo with a tango-like beat that made me want to put a rose in my mouth and dance. The Traditional Jazz Band ended with the Dixieland classic "When the Saints Go Marching In," which was a fitting and jolly finale.
After a brief intermission and some tweaking of the sound system, the show continued with the Big Band. The larger ensemble and presence of more horns made it obvious that this portion of the show would be swinging a lot harder than the traditional ensemble. The show started off with "Count Bubba's Revenge," complete with a high-pitched brass section that set the tone for the classic call-and-response style of big band music.
Student Addie Archambault provided lovely vocals for songs like Gershwin's "Summertime" and Billie Holiday's "Mean to Me," executing the tunes with the help of a resolute and tight band.
One of the highlights was a song by Bill Holman, "Bumps," which due to the thumping bass, sounded like the theme song to a '70s cop and robber show. Following "Bumps" was the Duke Ellington piece "Star Crossed Lovers," which began and ended with a cool piano solo that was eerie, yet divine. Drummer Charles Kalajian hit the skins with a gritty finesse while the dueling saxophones, trumpets and trombones carried out the last tune, "Cut N' Run," with pizzazz.
As someone who appreciates jazz, I found the show to be a nice way to kick off a Friday night. And considering the concert was a measly $2 with student ID, what's not to like? The jazz music program will have another show tomorrow. So go dig on some hip jazz, cat, before it's too late.