The halls of the Music Building radiated a soothing, harmonic melody from a concoction of trombones, saxophones, pianos and other instruments Tuesday night.
The NIU Jazz Ensemble performed eight songs in their large ensemble concert from 7 p.m. to 8:15 p.m. late Tuesday in the Boutell Memorial Concert Hall of the Music Building.
Led by Director Rodrigo Villanueva-Conroy, the NIU Jazz Ensemble performed songs created by jazz artists Miles Davis, John Clayton, Kenny Garrett, Duke Ellington, Ray Henderson, Dave Stoler, Jack Watson and Mongo Santamaria.
These songs were “Blue in Green,” “Soupbone,” “Sing a Song of a Song,” “Never No Lament (Don’t Get Around Much Anymore),” “Bye Bye Blackbird,” “Under the Radar,” “Band Kid Blues” and “Afro Blue.”
Ethan Kendrick, a first-year finance major, enjoyed the different types of jazz music the Jazz Ensemble had to offer.
“It was a great experience to see what college jazz they have to offer,” Kendrick said. “I really enjoyed it and it all blended well together.”
The ensemble played with gusto and practiced precision, making it almost impossible for some members of the audience not to move a part of their body to the infectious beat.
“Blue in Green,” performed with solos by Nathan Tague on the tenor saxophone and Ben Rodriguez on the piano, was the very definition of smooth jazz and is the type of song one might hear on a midnight drive.
“Soupbone,” performed with solos by Aiden Ledbetter on the trombone and Malcolm Lile on the acoustic bass, had a snazzy and swing-style vibe to it with each section having its chance to shine for an explosive finish.
“Sing a Song of a Song” was performed with solos by Tague on the tenor saxophone, Sean Hamilton on the trombone, Ellie Andries on the guitar and Jared Hurn on the drums. The song began with a slow introduction from the piano with the other instruments slowly joining in as the tune pressed on. It sounded almost heroic or hopeful in a sense, something you might hear when a hero arrives on the scene.
“Never No Lament (Don’t Get Around Much Anymore),” performed with solos by Aiden Schneider on the alto saxophone, Aiden Ledbetter on the trombone and Miles Macklin on the trumpet, was light and peppy and kept a regular tempo with it ending just as soon as it began.
“Bye Bye Blackbird,” performed with solos by Macklin on the trumpet, Jack Watson on the tenor saxophone and Ben Rodriguez on the piano, felt joyful and like a perfect example of old school ‘70s or ‘80s jazz.
“Under the Radar,” performed with solos by Rodriguez on the piano and Andries on the guitar, was an alluring fusion of jazz and rock with an electric tune that really gave the song life.
“Band Kid Blues” was performed with solos by Tague on the tenor saxophone, Rodriguez on the piano, Macklin on the trumpet, Andries on the guitar and Jared Hurn on the drums.
This song, in particular, was developed by one of the Ensemble’s own members, Watson, and was a playful and suave piece that gave off a chill vibe yet was played with ferocious focus.
“Afro Blue” was performed with solos by Andrew Clark on the trumpet, Hamilton on the trombone, Andries on the guitar and Tague on the tenor saxophone and served as the final song of the concert.
From the windup beginning from the saxophone section to the grand, exciting closing of the song, it was a tune to remember from start to finish.
Francisco Aguilar, a first-year music major, was happy he had the opportunity to watch the Jazz Ensemble perform.
“It was fun to listen to jazz,” Aguilar said. “I would recommend other students give it a try.”
With the last note falling upon the ears of the audience, the members of the NIU Jazz Ensemble took a bow and made their way off of the stage, ready to dazzle the crowd with their next performance.
For those who wish to watch the performance, it can be found on NIU’s official YouTube channel.
