Ensemble performs at Moody
Alabama Jazz Ensemble played music of legend Charles Mingus
Aisha Mahmood
Contributing Writer
Issue date: 3/7/08 Section: Entertainment
On Tuesday night, the Alabama Jazz Ensemble performed the music of Charles Mingus at the Alabama Chamber Jazz Concert at Moody Concert Hall.
The members of the Jazz Ensemble, who were dressed in black and tapped their feet to the music as they played, were directed by Christopher Kozak, assistant professor and director of jazz studies, and performed seven different pieces of Mingus' music.
During the beginning of the concert, a projection screen off to the side of the stage displayed photographs of Mingus.
Kozak gave the audience a brief background of each piece before the Jazz Ensemble performed it.
One piece, "Goodbye Pork Pie Hat," was written after jazz musician Lester Young's death. Kozak said this particular piece has now become a jazz standard.
Another piece, "Fables of Faubus," was more of a political statement against a former Arkansas governor's attempt to prevent some black children from attending schools, Kozak said.
At the beginning of their performance of "Fables of Faubus," the Jazz Ensemble sang some of the lyrics that accompany the piece.
During some of the solos in the piece, members of the Jazz Ensemble added to the feel of the music by shouting out and encouraging the soloists.
That particular piece also included some "free improvisation," Kozak said.
Most of the music was upbeat, though there were some more melancholy pieces. The Jazz Ensemble also performed one of Mingus's ballads, "Self Portrait in Three Colors."
Mingus was a 20th-century American virtuoso bass player, pianist, bandleader and composer. He composed his first concert piece at the age of 17, and eventually played music with the bands of musicians including Louis Armstrong and Lionel Hampton.
Later in his career, Mingus performed with other famous musicians such as Charlie Parker, Miles Davis and Duke Ellington.
Mingus also wrote over 300 scores and recorded over 100 albums.
Kozak said he didn't think there has been much of a focus on Mingus at the University.
"I've always admired his music," Kozak said. "It's a great opportunity for students to see what Mingus was about."
Kozak also said Mingus' music is important because students who want to be diverse jazz musicians need to be willing to understand and play all types of genres.
Kozak said he was proud of the Jazz Ensemble and, "They did a fantastic job. I'm super happy."
Some students who attended the concert said they enjoyed Mingus' music.
"The soloists were really fun and energetic. They make you excited to be there. You can tell they're having fun," said Meredith Reaves, a sophomore majoring in music education.
"I liked the selection of music. He's a great composer," said Margaret Dixon, a junior majoring in music performance.
The members of the Jazz Ensemble, who were dressed in black and tapped their feet to the music as they played, were directed by Christopher Kozak, assistant professor and director of jazz studies, and performed seven different pieces of Mingus' music.
During the beginning of the concert, a projection screen off to the side of the stage displayed photographs of Mingus.
Kozak gave the audience a brief background of each piece before the Jazz Ensemble performed it.
One piece, "Goodbye Pork Pie Hat," was written after jazz musician Lester Young's death. Kozak said this particular piece has now become a jazz standard.
Another piece, "Fables of Faubus," was more of a political statement against a former Arkansas governor's attempt to prevent some black children from attending schools, Kozak said.
At the beginning of their performance of "Fables of Faubus," the Jazz Ensemble sang some of the lyrics that accompany the piece.
During some of the solos in the piece, members of the Jazz Ensemble added to the feel of the music by shouting out and encouraging the soloists.
That particular piece also included some "free improvisation," Kozak said.
Most of the music was upbeat, though there were some more melancholy pieces. The Jazz Ensemble also performed one of Mingus's ballads, "Self Portrait in Three Colors."
Mingus was a 20th-century American virtuoso bass player, pianist, bandleader and composer. He composed his first concert piece at the age of 17, and eventually played music with the bands of musicians including Louis Armstrong and Lionel Hampton.
Later in his career, Mingus performed with other famous musicians such as Charlie Parker, Miles Davis and Duke Ellington.
Mingus also wrote over 300 scores and recorded over 100 albums.
Kozak said he didn't think there has been much of a focus on Mingus at the University.
"I've always admired his music," Kozak said. "It's a great opportunity for students to see what Mingus was about."
Kozak also said Mingus' music is important because students who want to be diverse jazz musicians need to be willing to understand and play all types of genres.
Kozak said he was proud of the Jazz Ensemble and, "They did a fantastic job. I'm super happy."
Some students who attended the concert said they enjoyed Mingus' music.
"The soloists were really fun and energetic. They make you excited to be there. You can tell they're having fun," said Meredith Reaves, a sophomore majoring in music education.
"I liked the selection of music. He's a great composer," said Margaret Dixon, a junior majoring in music performance.
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