Evening of Jazz!

Pealer Recital Hall, PAC

FSU’s Department of Music Presents Evening of Jazz! Concert, “Level Up”

Frostburg State University’s Department of Music will present its Evening of Jazz! concert, “Level Up,” featuring the FSU Jazz Orchestra directed by Dr. Brent Weber, on Friday, April 26, at 7:30 p.m. in the Pealer Recital Hall of FSU’s Woodward D. Pealer Performing Arts Center.

The Jazz Orchestra consists of Hailey Beining, Gwen Fazenbaker, Vincent Hangarter, Luis Hernandez, Gabe Hicks, Lucas Lusby, Eileen Martin and Max Partlow – reeds; Patrick Godfrey, MJ Harden, Joey Orr, Morgan Tichnell and Sam White – trumpets; Stephen Hess, Doug Holtz, Zach Inglish and Jack McCoy – trombones; and Andrew Gula on guitar, Cayla Gavin on piano, Nick Mellen on bass, Ben Alvey, Gavin Baker and Joe Rubens on drums/percussion – rhythm. They will be joined on some numbers by vocalist Mack Taylor and Peter Lewis on bass.

The program will include “Sandunga” by Arturo Sandoval; “Lisette” by Sammy Nestico; “This Masquerade” by Leon Russell, arranged by Rick Stitzel; “Abide” by Eric Richards; “Torque” by Alan Baylock; “The Incredibles” by Michale Giacchino, arranged by Callum Au; “Don't Know Why” by Jesse Harris, arranged by Paul Murtha; “Groovin’ Hard” by Don Menza; “A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square” by Manning Sherwin and Eric Maschwitz; and “Pussywiggle Stomp” by Don Ellis.

Sandoval’s command of the Latin big band idiom is apparent in the exciting medium-tempo chart, “Sandunga,” from the acclaimed Grammy-winning CD “Hot House.”

From the Quincy Jones/Sammy Nestico CD “Basie and Beyond,” “Lisette” is an outstanding ballad for tenor or soprano saxophone soloist with lush harmony and distinctive unisons.

“This Masquerade” is a song originally recorded in 1972 by Russell for his album “Carney” and as a B-side for the album’s hit single, “Tight Rope.”

Richards’ “Abide” premiered in the Jazz Vespers Service at St. Peter’s Church in New York City in 2013.

Featured on Alan Baylock’s latest release, “Prime Time,” “Torque” is devilishly funky and packed with energy.

“The Incredibles,” a new arrangement of the main theme from the hit Pixar Animation Studios and Walt Disney Pictures film, is a challenging but rewarding chart.

“Don’t Know Why” is a song written and composed by Harris that originally appeared on his 1999 album, “Jesse Harris and The Ferdinandos.” A cover of the song was the debut single of American singer Norah Jones.

“Groovin’ Hard” was written by Menza and first released by the Buddy Rich Big Band in 1970.

“A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square” is a British romantic popular song written in 1939 and published in 1940, with lyrics by Maschwitz and music by Sherwin. Berkeley Square is a large leafy square in Mayfair, a part of London.

In a fast 7/4 with a down-home feeling, “Pussywiggle Stomp” is a cross between Horace Silver’s “The Preacher” and “My Dog’s Better Than Your Dog.”

Tickets are $10 for adults; $5 for seniors, members of the military, and FSU faculty and staff; and free for students and children. Purchase tickets at https://frostburgtix.universitytickets.com/w/event.aspx?id=2037. Tickets are also available at the door on the night of the performance.

For more information, contact FSU’s Department of Music at 301-687-4109.

Music, Performance, Recital