(Courtesy/Laura S.)

 

Academy’s Jazz Ensemble had its first concert of the year on Friday, October 11. The outstanding production showcased some of Academy’s top musicians.

 

Ms. Sneeringer opened the concert by announcing a guest appearance of the group  “The Famous Jazz Orchestra” which included some musicians who were also a part of the Columbus Jazz Orchestra, Thad Jones Band, Glenn Miller Orchestra, Woody Herman Orchestra, and Dorsey Big Band. She noted how proud she was of all the performers and how far they have come despite many not playing their main instruments.

 

The ensemble opened with a cornerstone of Jazz, “Corner Pocket,” composed by Freddie Green in 1955. The band transitioned to “Georgia on My Mind” composed in 1930 by Hoagy Carmichael.

 

Next, the musicians signaled a change to a more upbeat mood by playing Duke Ellington’s 1931 piece, “It Don’t Mean a Thing if You Aint Got that Swing” which had the audience cheering energetically.

 

The following “Black Coffee” composed by Sonny Burke in 1938, switched the room to a more melancholic mood, followed by Michael Sweeney’s “Hog-Squealin’, Rip-Snortin’, Belly-Achin’ Blues” and then a heart-felt piece by Arthur Hamilton titled “Cry Me a River” which included Alaina W.’s singing.

 

Finally the ensemble closed with Nat Adderley’s iconic “Work Song” accompanied by more cheering from the audience.

 

The Jazz Ensemble’s next remarkable performance will take place in the spring.