The Jazz Lab Band, a 17-piece musical ensemble here at the University of Connecticut, performed at the von der Mehden Recital Hall on Sunday afternoon, Nov. 10, marking a fun start to the week on campus. All ticket purchases directly funded the operating costs of the recital, with free tickets being reserved for seniors, military, UConn students, faculty and staff.
The performance, which was led by conductor Earl McDonald, serves as a component of the course MUSI 1115: Jazz Ensembles. McDonald is also a music professor and has served as the director of jazz studies in the Department of Music for 24 years.
But not only does McDonald teach; he’s also a professional jazz artist who has released five albums as a band leader, including “UConn Jazz” in 2002. McDonald also has several recorded collaborations under his belt with artists such as Kenny Barron, Michael Feinstein and Big Bop Nouveau. He worked alongside Barron on the 1994 Grammy-nominated album “Wanton Spirit,” of which he also composed the title track.
Unlike the other musical ensembles at UConn, the Jazz Lab Band is unique in the sense that it serves as a “feeder system” for students: training and developing young musicians to move up the ranks from the Lab Band to the Jazz Ensemble. During rehearsals, the group primarily zeroes in on sight-reading and repertoire specifically chosen to teach and reinforce the subtle variations in the style of big band jazz. The main songs performed covers that of legendary jazz artists Count Basie, Bob Mintzer and Duke Ellington.
The instruments featured in the performance included the saxophone and piano, both classic jazz staples as well as the trumpet, trombone, double bass, electric guitar and drums. Many of the songs included captivating solos performed by students on the saxophone, trumpet and trombone. Midway through the performance, McDonald noted that many of the Jazz Lab members were freshmen and lauded their effort and dedication to their instruments. A few members who performed were also extracted from the jazz ensemble group.
The opening song, “Spectrum,” was a captivating composition with a host of vibrant melodies and intricate tunes. This was followed by the snazzier tune of “Don’t Get Sassy” by Thad Jones, another jazz legend. Unlike “Spectrum,” “Don’t Get Sassy” features a more sanguine melody, accompanied by a more fast-paced tempo and enchanting rhythm. At one point during the performance, McDonald remarked, “Isn’t this a fun way to spend a Sunday afternoon?” to which the audience cheered and applauded.
The fourth song performed was “Techno Pop”, by Bob Mintzer off his 1986 album, “Camouflage.” This track blends elements of jazz, funk and electronic music. With its catchy melody and intricate rhythms, it’s easy to see why this is a popular choice for jazz ensembles to perform. After “Techno Pop” came “Launching Pad” by Duke Ellington, who continues to inspire musical groups such as the Jazz Lab Band.
The hour-long performance concluded with the song “The Party’s Over,” appropriately titled for ending an afternoon filled with fun and enchanting music. And while the Jazz Lab Band just serves as one of many fine musical groups here at UConn, they have and continue to captivate audiences with their dynamic performances, showcasing the raw talent and dedication of their members.