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POWELL, Wyo. - The Northwest College Jazz Combo I, Jazz Combo II and Jazz Band II get their groove on in a 7:30 p.m. concert Monday, Nov. 25, in the Nelson Performing Arts Center Auditorium.
The three groups will showcase music from the genre that originated in New Orleans around 1900 and developed through increasingly complex styles for over a century. The magic and improvisation of jazz moves in many directions and styles, from smooth and mellow to the intricate rhythms and melodies of Dixieland, big band, swing, bebop, modern jazz, funk and more.
Jazz Combo I, under the direction of Brad Howey, starts things off with “So What” by Miles Davis, “Sixteen Tons” by Merle Travis and “Groove’s Bag” by Milt Jackson.
“The principle ensemble throughout jazz’s history, the jazz combo has been a venue for creative expression, individualistic virtuosity and collaborative improvisation,” Howey said. “Jazz Combo I will exemplify the essence of this great tradition with hard-swinging performances by some of Northwest College’s most promising young musicians.”
Jazz Combo II, directed by Craig Olson, will showcase a collection of tunes including Kirby Shaw’s arrangement of “Comin’ Home Baby;” “Cold Duck Time” by Eddie Harris and “Mercy, Mercy, Mercy” by Josef Zawinul.
Jazz Band II wraps up the evening with Harold Arlen’s “It’s Only a Paper Moon,” featuring soloist Paige Baxter of Powell; “Groovin’ Hard” by Don Menza and “Una Mas” by Kenny Dorham.
Admission to this evening of jazz is free and open to the public.