UNCP Jazz Combos Draws Crowd
Last Tuesday, students gathered in Moore Hall to watch three Jazz combos perform their second concert of the semester.
“It was my first Jazz concert and I enjoyed the upbeat melodies that were performed by a lot of the artists that are being discussed in our Jazz class,” said Jordan Williams, English major.
The "Day Combo," directed by Derek Day, started the evening with a smooth rendition of Roy Hargrove’s “Soppin’ the Biscuit.” Ryan Godwin performed his venture as both the clarinetist and pianist in the combo, as he switched between three sets.
The night transitioned as the "Walker Combo," directed by Skip Walker, played the upbeat rhythms of John Coltrane’s “Naima” and Miles Davis’ “Freddie Freeloader.” Deshawn Townes played his solos on his tenor sax, drawing applause and cheers from the crowd.
Lastly, the "Arnold Combo," directed by Larry Arnold, took the stage to close out the evening. They performed Nathaniel Adderley’s “Work Song”.
“The Arnold Combo was the best,” said Sydney Blake, English major. “The songs were more upbeat they had a more full sound.”
Tenor sax performer Emmanuel Howard and trombonist Ethan Bautz ended the night with strong solos that were followed with cheers and applause. In addition, Jamil Wright performed a song on the piano, weaving in melodies with the band. Drummer Ben Wells performed a solo in the final song “Cornbread” by Lee Morgan.
