Jazz Ensemble Offers Vocal Variation

Soothing. Relaxing. Innovating. These three words perfectly describe the mood, tone and content of one of the world's major music genres: jazz. Jazz has been maintained throughout the years by the likes of musicians Louis Armstrong and Etta James, and continues today with jazz-influenced pop artists Michael Bublé and Adele. In fact, jazz was so popular when it was being developed that it created an entire set of subgenres like swing music, bebop, Latin jazz, jazz-rock fusion and acid jazz. Because of jazz's immense influence, it is only appropriate that St. Norbert College would offer a night of music comprised of only jazz tunes at its Vocal Jazz Ensemble Concert held Friday, April 17 in Walter Theatre. As the concert began, director and St. Norbert College adjunct instructor Bethany Thier introduced the three prevalent themes of the night's jazz tunes: the Depression/war era, love and Latin America.

Then the 11-member ensemble opened with Eddie DeLange's "Do You Know What it Means to Miss New Orleans" showcasing soloists Francis Beaumier and Luke Aumann. In addition, the song featured Justin Wrezesinski on trumpet, Mackenzie Laska on bass, Andrea Cress on clarinet and Jacob Van Dyke on trombone. Kent Paulsen also accompanied each song that was performed that night on the piano.

What was especially interesting about the vocal jazz concert was that it allowed soloists and small groups to perform, which added more variety than other music events in the past.

Highlights of the evening included Ben Rogaczewski's rendition of Billie Holiday's 1941 war-era hit single "God Bless the Child." Rogaczewski added his own spin to the song making it sound different from other recordings of the classic track. His vocal control and voice truly did the song justice.

Jacquie Aebly's version of Arthur Altman's love song "All or Nothing at All" made me especially relaxed and left me wanting more. Her vocal quality is outstanding, fitting that of many jazz artists, and certainly tricked me into thinking I was at a jazz club listening to a legend perform.

Francis Beaumier's solo on Latin jazz tune "Besame Mucho," which translates into "kiss me a lot," hit the mark and only deepened my interest in listening to music sung in foreign languages-in this case, Spanish.

It would also be a mistake for me not to mention Tanya Pollard's take on Peggy Lee and Dave Barbour's "I Don't Know Enough About You." Pollard truly entertained the audience with not only her country-style voice but also her gestures and movements around stage.

Additionally, Betsy Holterman's beautiful interpretation of George Gershwin's "Someone to Watch Over Me" was heartfelt; her vibrato-infused vocals only added to her performance.

Soloists Jon O'Brien, Aumann, Alisa Christensen, Tessa August and Anna Vanderloop all worked their vocal magic as well, pleasing the entire audience with spectacular interpretations of other jazz classics, while additional small group performances sounded flawless.

I especially liked the back-and-forth singing of Jacob Yorton and Holterman on "They Can't Take that Away from Me," which references that although someone may be physically separated from you, you cannot replace or take away the memories you shared.

August, Christensen and Pollard's rendition of "Cry Me a River" sounded spectacular as well, with its harmonies and melodies intertwining, putting a smile on my face.

My favorite performance of the night, however, was the entire ensemble's performance of Pablo Ruiz's "Sway," which featured Yorton and Thier on the conga drums. This song, in particular, showcased the strengths of each person's individual talents and how they combine to form a beautiful sound on such a foot-tapping tune.

I wish St. Norbert College put on more vocal jazz ensemble concerts. Their laid-back atmosphere in allowing both solo and group performances in addition to entire-ensemble numbers created a novelty concert format, one that differs from other St. Norbert concerts I have attended. The night allowed me to sit back, relax and enjoy the soothing sounds of a genre of music that allows more innovation and improvisation than other genres. Jazz's relaxing, soothing and innovative qualities alone will surely keep me coming back for more.