Diverse Groups jazz it up at concert

By Colleen Snyder

Members of the Santa Clara community came out of the cold and into the Recital Hall Tuesday night to attend the Jazz Ensemble and Jazz Combo in concert. The two groups of musicians put on an impressive show, fittingly titled, "An Ideal Season." Both groups consist of students from Santa Clara, students from SJSU, local high schools, and also members of the outside community, under the direction of John Russell. The diverse compilation of members was refreshing to hear, as being a student at Santa Clara can oftentimes be quite encapsulating. The songs reflected the season theme, as the combo started the night off with a piece, originally by Freddie Hubbard, titled "Up Jumped Spring." The sounds of the trombone, trumpet, drums, bass, guitar, violin and piano could all be heard at one point or another throughout this upbeat tune. The violin added a surprising and significant quality to all the songs of the combo with its upbeat and vibrant sounds. The combo, which consists only of seven musicians, took turns doing solos, whereas the ensemble was more of a group effort. The ensemble added a twist to the jazz theme with a swing beat, Craig Biondi's "Rick's Licks." Pop artist, Sting's "Fields of Gold" brought yet another type of sound to the show. All in all, the night was a success, both for the musicians and for the audience who got an escape from this cold season through the combo and Ensemble's harmonious and uplifting beats.