Pottle Auditorium was filled with the sound of jazz and applause when the Southeastern Jazz Ensemble played to an enthusiastic crowd on Tuesday, Nov. 19.
Directed and conducted by Dr. Paul Frechou, director of athletic bands, the Jazz Ensemble’s performance featured pieces such as “Jumpin’ At The Wetside.” Dr. Henry Jones accompanied the ensemble and performed as a soloist on piano.
The ensemble also featured saxophone player Clarence Johnson III, who performed as a soloist and conductor that evening. According to the Southeastern website, Johnson is a man of many accomplishments, having appeared in film and television as well as having had his music recorded several times. He has also lectured on music, predominantly at Loyola University, from which he received his bachelor degree in jazz studies, and Delgado Community College.
Each piece received hearty applause, and the audience laughed at Johnson’s unconventional and humorous solo part in the number titled “Mr. Magic,” where he wandered about and behind the stage with his saxophone. The piece delighted the audience and earned Johnson a standing ovation.
“It was really good. I really liked all the music that they played,” said Jamie Roussel, a senior nursing major. “I think my favorite was ‘Mr. Magic.’ I liked how it felt like a twist on the typical jazz band.”
“That was the best band jazz concert I’ve been to in the five years that I’ve been here,” said Justin Bel, a senior psychology major. “My favorite number had to be ‘Chant’ because of the percussion solo and the blend of the ensemble.”
The members of the ensemble were extremely satisfied with the performance.
“[We’ve been working on this performance] since the beginning of the semester,” said Benjamin Livingston, a trumpet player in the ensemble. “‘Chant’ was my favorite piece. I just like the feel of it. It’s got a spiritual sort of feel to it. It just makes everybody dance.”
They were also pleased with the audience’s responsiveness.
“This has probably been one of the best concerts we’ve ever had thanks to our wonderful director, Mr. Frechou,” said Timothy Villalobos, a trombone player in the ensemble. “The audience, they were eating it up. When our saxophone professor started doing improv, they went nuts. We went nuts backstage, too.”
As happy as they were with the performance and its reception, the ensemble seemed most pleased with Johnson himself.
“He’s great,” said Livingston. “The best thing that’s happened to Southeastern in a while.”
“I think he’s probably one of the best things to happen to this university,” said Villalobos. “To the music department at least.”
For more information on upcoming recitals and performances at Pottle, go to www.southeastern.edu/acad_research/depts/mus/ensembles.