BC Jazz Band to perform Summer concert July 6 at the Clarion

The Brazosport College Department of Music will present a free jazz concert featuring the BC Jazz Band on Wednesday, July 6 at The Clarion at Brazosport College. The jazz band will be directed by Richard Birk.

“We have a great band and are excited to share with an audience the music we’ve been working on this summer,” Birk said. “We’re playing a wide variety of jazz, ranging from ‘Jelly Roll,’ Charles Mingus’ early New Orleans Jelly Roll Morton tribute, to the high-energy rock of Ric Flauding’s ‘Group Dynamics.’ We’re also exploring the jazz influence of different cultures in pieces like ‘Celtic Aire’ by Fred Sturm and Jeff Jarvis’ ‘El Tigre.’

“The Summer Jazz Band is comprised of both students and community members and will be featuring several wonderful soloists,” he added. “We really hope folks will come out and hear some outstanding live jazz performed by this talented group.”

Selections to be performed by the BC Jazz Band include:

“Jelly Roll”— One of the most engaging and light-hearted of all of Charles Mingus' compositions, this marvelous version for big band alternates between a medium slow two-beat feel and straight-ahead swing.

“Gottaluvit”— From the album “Red” by horn band Vinyl Hampdin, this funk/rock tune is full of energy.

”组Dynamics”— A high-energy melodic rock tune by Ric Flauding and Paul Baker. This is a nod to the famous Pat Metheny Group.

“El Tigre”— Memorable melodies and sturdy harmonies are supported by an active rhythm section in this songo-style composition by Jeff Jarvis.

“Gentle Rain”— An understated bossa nova by Lisa DeSpain featuring tenor sax and trumpet, further influenced by harmonies, muted brass and dynamics.

“游击手”— This medium shuffle tune has notated rhythm parts, a memorable melody and tons of dynamic contrast. A super saxophone solo and a shout chorus round out this exceptional work.

“Hullabaloo”— A contemporary New Orleans groove chart that brings plenty of funk and excitement.

“凯尔特之问卷调查”— A Celtic tune is found with a bold new groove, fresh harmonies and many interesting twists.

“Fancy Pants”— A funky blues song originally written for Count Basie.

“Samba del Crow”— An enjoyable toe-tapper arranged by keyboardist Frank Mantooth.

For more information about the July 6 concert, call (979) 230-3156.