The University of Utah School of Music had a concert featuring the Jazz Repertory Ensemble on Tuesday night, featuring music education students, non-majors and faculty. Directed by Kris Johnson, the concert was phenomenal.
“C Jam Blues” by the illustrious Duke Ellington came first, featuring a soulful saxophone solo by Aohan Liu. Liu’s high notes were spot on, giving the audience a moment of sheer breathlessness with each scale. Patrick Nelson, playing the trumpet, also gave a powerful solo performance. The only con to this piece–and really the entire set–was the piano. Johanna Sorenson played exquisitely, but she seemed a bit unsure of herself. It was a shame that she was timid because her playing is truly beautiful.
“In a Sentimental Mood” was chock full of tangible emotion from every player in the combo. The saxophone and guitar highlights were sensual and chilling, making this piece fitting for a high-end wedding dance.
“Perdido” marked the final piece and it had some of the best guitar solos I have ever heard from a student production. Chris Kaukali played impressively quick riffs throughout the piece, so impressive that you could see the “wow” on his bandmates’ faces as they watched his fingers dance. Director and arranger Kris Johnson must really be commended for allowing that instrument to shine; that was a brilliant move on his part. The piano in this piece was excellent and fun, with striking improvisation from Golden Ye.
After those three songs, the faculty took the stage to strut their stuff. The first piece was titled “Home Grown,” a raw jazz piece with lots of improvisation. It was amusing to see the faculty have fun with this piece, especially Kris Johnson who composed it. These faculty members inserted so much personality into their solos as to make it more engaging to watch while creating a fun environment for the audience. It was a blast to see the maybe otherwise strict staff having the time of their lives: and the music was better for it.
One of my favorite players in this particular combo was pianist Melanie Shore. I have worked with Melanie before and it was great to be able to observe her stunning improvisational ability again. There is something to be said about being able to improvise while backing the rest of the band as a key component of the rhythm section.
Kris Johnson composed another piece for this concert, titled “My Apologies.” This piece was the tamest of the night, and while it wasn’t as energetic, it was absolutely gorgeous. Johnson has true talent. The drums were deep and evocative and made your head bob and your heart fall into time with the music. The dynamics in this song added emotion like I have never heard before ever in instrumental music.
Not only did Johnson show amazing composition, but he also showcased his transposing abilities. In the final song of the night, the combo played a rendition of “Blues Walk,” but in the arrangement, Johnson had transposed the melody up half a step every few measures. It is literally all over the score but works amazingly well.
Johnson’s work was truly inspiring to watch, and from faculty to student, from composition to teaching abilities, this show proved that it really is astounding what the Jazz Department at the U can do.