The Hillcats, a jazz ensemble composed of several faculty members, gave their biannual concert, highlighting unique rhythm changes in many of their songs.
“Blowin’ Rhythm: An Exploration of Rhythm Changes” offered a large variety of solos that alternated between two or more jazz players.The ensemble performed on April 8 in Plaster Auditorium.
Chris McCourry, director of jazz ensembles and teacher of music (trumpet), directed the concert and chose the theme.
“We tried to present the improv solos more in groups than individual soloists taking solo choruses,” McCourry said. “I think that was very successful and I plan on incorporating it in the future.”
These groups solos began right away with “Blue Train” by John Coltrane, which featured a group solo with the guitar and trumpet. The piano and bass then soloed with an alternating rhythmic pattern.
The band followed up with “Passport” by Charlie Parker, another lively rhythm changer featuring Adjunct Instructor of Music Rob Killips on the trombone and Chris McCourry on the trumpet. It also featured a point where Adjunct Instructor of Music Larry Ochiltree on the drums completely cut out of the song, a rhythm change that changed the piece dynamically.
After playing Latin-rhythmed Fungii Mama, McCourry joked with jazz students about how they should test their ears to recognize the rhythms they were hearing.
“Finals are coming up,” he said. “You should know your rhythm changes!”
The second half of the performance, titled “Rhythm Changes Medley,” featured visiting vocalist Lori Lefevre. Lefevere, a frequent jazz singer for the Hillcats, has performed on campus multiple times.
Adjunct Instructor of Music Dan Palmer, who played guitar at the concert, said it was fun to see what happens on the jazz concert stage.
“Sometimes the music has a life of its own and takes us to unexpected places,” Palmer said.
Freshman Matthew Tully, who attended the concert, said he enjoyed it.
“I really liked the way they did the vocals,” Tully said. “I also thought the drums were really good.”
Freshman Zack Adams said the concert had a lot of variety on the one hand, but on the other hand, was also very continuous.
“The repetition of the rhythm changes in many different songs was an interesting thread that highlighted the unity of jazz, but the variety of interactive soloing kept it fresh,” he said.
Overall, McCourry said he was pleased with the way the concert turned out.
“It is always a treat and honor to perform with some of the best musicians in our greater area,” he said.
