The Colby Echo

Issue date: 2/16/07 Section: Arts & Entertainment

Media Credit: Molly Warren

Red-cheeked students with puffy vests and home-knitted scarves poured into Given Auditorium last Friday to escape the blustery, frigid night. Despite the intensity of the chilling winds, it wasn't until the bands took the stage that the crowd was thoroughly blown away. This was the final test of the Jazz Improv Jan Plan class, a group of students who pushed themselves for twenty days to hone their instrumental and vocal skills under the guidance of Eric Thomas, director of the jazz and wind ensembles. The students worked hard to arrange music, form bands and become comfortable in the deep world of jazz improvisation. In addition to class time and the time spent on the group projects, the musicians practiced "until their lips bled." Their hard work was not in vain. The concert, a lively, fine-tuned, moving affair was a testament to the exceptional levels of musicianship they were able to reach in only a few short weeks.

"The Leftovers" were the first group to take the stage, and they began the night with a reggae version of the classic "Fever." A mandolin, the piano, a flute, drums, saxophones, a trombone, and smoky, powerful vocals were the layers that formed a cool, calm, and comfortable band. The guitar was sassy. The saxophones were smooth. The piano jarred alluringly. Every instrument seemed to blend together perfectly, and each solo showed how skilled they had become in the art of improvisation. This group played two more tunes, a romantic and moving version of "Unforgettable" and a fun, soulful rendition of "Watermelon Man." They felt the music, and it could be seen in their eyes that they felt a connection with each other. This proved to be true of each of the bands that would take the stage. It was thrilling to see what they had created alone, but even more intriguing to see what they had been able to create together.

The second group to perform called themselves, "Some dudes and the girl's got pipes." Though the guys in the band were certainly not "some dudes," by musical standards, the second half of their moniker most definitely held up and blew away expectations. The sound was groovy and electrical, and the group featured a rich, deep cello that gave the music a cozy sound. With songs that had lyrics such as, "You don't know what love is," the group dove into the depths of love and jazz. They pumped out tunes that were silky, slightly poppy, and tangibly warm. Though the solos were great, the trios and conversations between the instruments really made the music come alive.

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