Stetson Triumphs With Kenton Concert

Stetson Jazz Ensemble set up in Kenton formation!

A towering success was the spring concert from Stetson's Jazz Ensemble, "A Tribute to Stan Kenton". Kudos both to the students and conductor Don Waldrop for pulling off with grace and aplomb what easily could have been a jumbled mess with other young bands. The ballads ("Yesterdays", "Here's That Rainy Day" & "My Old Flame") were nothing short of mesmerizing; a special nod to the trombone section who had wonderful balance for the whole show, with remarkable pianissimos and gorgeous tone. The entire ensemble glistened and blared in all the right places. The trumpet section enjoyed the presence of guest performer Jack Nedorostek, nailing the insane high notes, and treating us all to a soaring rendition of Maynard Ferguson's "Maria".

Maestro Waldrop called up his wife for a sweet & memorable moment; the conductor serenading her with Kenton's comical "You and I and George" with delightfully sombre trombones behind him! 

The standout solo from a student came on the popular "Dynaflow" from guitarist Lyndell Vickers, who started a few concerts back already sounding excellent, and continues to progress with fine technique and expanded jazz vocabulary. A well-mic'd Justin Weber on piano also stood out, ease & grace now added to his arsenal. A nice touch were back-to-back numbers featuring Jessica Rice (alto) and Samantha Olek (tpt) who showed marvelous confidence & ample ability. The rhythm section was solid and swingin' thoughout. Capping off the night was a rollicking romp through Kenton's daring "Peanut Vendor", trumpets doing the nasty dissonances justice and leaving the SRO crowd (picture shows about a third of audience) wanting much more. Congrats to Mr. Waldrop and all the band for hands down the best Stetson concert Palm Coast Jazz has witnessed! - PCJ

Stetson Jazz Ensemble Concert 10-3-12

Joe Burns singing out

Palm Coast Jazz caught the first concert of the fall season from Stetson University's Jazz Ensemble last night in DeLand - a fine opening performance from the 19 piece unit led by Don Waldrop.

The concert was short and sweet - dominated by swingin' Count Basie charts from Sammy Nestico  - handled with finesse and soul by the band. The balance was especially delightful & lush during the quite, mellow numbers like "Li'l Darlin'" (Neil Hefti) and former director George West's neat arrangement of "Round Midnight" for the trombones.

Joe Davis wailing on baritone

Joe Burns and Andrew Fridsma listen while Tim Eggen lays it down

Frank Foster's crowd pleaser "Shiny Stockings" had panache, as did "Look for the Silver Lining", with a cool harmon mute solo from Tim Eggen. Joe Burns' displayed a clarion tone and well-honed technique during Nestico's "Rachael"; and a fascinating sound color brightened the rhythm section via Rahkeem George's tenor pan drum (Rahkeem also soloing well). 

Rakeem George adding a new texture on tenor pan

Johnny Mandel's "A Time for Love" got the Nestico treatment along with superb sounds from trombonist Joe Warner. The 8 piece combo then took over with impressive drives through "Impanema" and "Ladybird".

Saving the best for last on a few fronts - Waldrop led the band through Bob Florence's "Cole Porter Stomp". Here the band was at it's tightest, swinging hard and filling the Stetson Room with layers of brass, wind and cymbals (drummer Joshua Albert rocked the whole evening) and letting loose with the most centered improvisations of the night from baritone saxophonist Joe Davis and Paul Kollas on the alto. The crowd was instantly on it's feet.

Joe Warner - trombone, Don Waldrop leading the Jazz Ensemble

The sound in the room is surprisingly full bodied. A thoughtful touch to the evening was to mic and skype the concert to long-time director George West - who is very ill.

Kudos and respect to director Don Waldrop, an A-lister from the Los Angeles music scene for 35 years (who among other things, recorded 11 albums with Bob Florence); and congrats to the band for the skilled performance. The next concert is in November - check the Stetson schedule for details. - PCJ

Some of the Stetson Jazz Ensemble brass section playing the last note of the evening!