Come out to Taylor Little Theatre this Saturday, for a program of jazz in many shapes and styles from the Mercyhurst Jazz Ensemble.
The Jazz Ensemble consists of Mercyhurst music majors, as well as musicians from other majors, all under the direction of Scott Meier, Ph.D.
Their concert this semester contains an array of styles and many different jazz pieces.
One of the pieces is “Magic Flea” by Sammy Nestico.
“This is a really fast swing chart by a prolific jazz composer and arranger,” said Caden Gilson, junior Music major.
“It features a few shout sections, as well as an alto sax solo, which I’ll be playing.”
The ensemble will be performing “Tiger of San Pedro,” composed and arranged by John LaBarbara.
“Of course we had to incorporate some Latin Jazz into our concert,” said Gilson.
“It’s a cool Latin chart. It’s up tempo, but it still maintains that Latin swagger. It will feature soloist Cameron Porter on trombone.”
The ensemble will also be offering a vocal chart.
“The Jazz Ensemble has not done vocals in a few years, so that will be exciting,” said Gilson.
“How High the Moon” is a classic swing piece featuring vocalist Brittany Barko, ’13, who graduated with a B.A. in Music Therapy.
Why should you come out to hear the Jazz Ensemble?
“For one, we have a lot of entertaining styles people are sure to enjoy,” said Gilson. “It’s a really dynamic set list, with lots of solos, including something new and different, a vocal solo.”