Saint Mary’s concert features jazz, percussion ensembles
Saint Mary’s will host an evening of rhythmic jazz and the unique ethnic sounds of Batucada Nossa Senhora, beginning at 7:30 p.m. today, Dec. 7, at Page Theatre.
The 18-piece Saint Mary’s Jazz Ensemble and Jazz Combo I, under the direction of Dr. John Paulson, will burn away any thoughts of snow when they perform with Wisconsin vocalist and swing singer Judi K.
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Her two recordings, “It’s Been A Long, Long Time” and “I’m Nobody’s Baby,” featured the talents of Jim Beebe, Jethro Burns, Truck Parham, Connie Jones and tenor-saxophonist Franz Jackson.
The SMU big band’s set with Judi K will include an arrangement of Irving Mill’s ever-popular “Moonglow” and Johnny Mercer’s “I Remember You.” Judi will also jam with Jazz Combo I on Ellington’s famous tune “Don’t Get Around Much Anymore.” Dave Wolpe arranged all of these pieces. Other soloists with the big band include alto saxophonist Vanessa Grams performing a Mike Tomaro arrangement of Thelonius Monk’s haunting melody “’Round Midnight.” Tenor saxophonist Tony Freeman will solo on several selections with the jazz combo as well as the big band, including “Cold Duck” by Eddie Harris, arranged by Mark Taylor, and Horace Silver’s uptempo tune “Sister Sadie,” arranged by Bryan Kidd.
The SMU Jazz Ensemble and Jazz Combo I will tour the Twin Cities in January, and then attend the International Association of Jazz Educators’ Convention in Toronto, Ont., Jan. 9-13.
Also during the evening of Dec. 7, the SMU Jazz Ensemble, Jazz Combo, and the voice of Judi K will all join forces with Batucada Nossa Senhora (percussion ensemble of our lady). The ethnic drum group, under the direction of Denny McGuire, will warm your hearts with two forms of Maracatu from Bahia in Northeastern Brazil, a West African drum medley from the Ewe people of Ghana, and a set of Sambas from Brazil.
Tickets are $6 for adults and $4 for students and seniors. Tickets are available by calling the Box Office, Ext. 1715, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, or online at www.pagetheatre.org.
