February 17 Jazz Combo Concert

On Friday, February 17, the Jazz Combo held their concert in the Recital Hall of the Gittinger Music Building. The Jazz Combo is a small ensemble group that emphasizes jazz improvisation on classic and contemporary jazz tunes. Generally, combo group begin by playing tunes completely, then proceed by playing variations of the tunes through individual solos. During the concert, the audience were treated to improvisational solos on piano, trumpet, saxophone, guitar, bass, and drums. The program consisted of multiple jazz styles such as swing, Bebop, jazz ballads, jazz-rock, samba, and funk.

 

 

The Jazz Combo Concert also featured Mr. Reder and Mr. McMasters as guest artists, both teachers at College of the Ozarks. “The C of O Jazz Combo was excited to have these very talented guest artists join us for this performance,” said Dr. Kevin Powers, assistant professor of music and director of bands. Mr. Reder is an adjunct woodwind professor at the college and was also a distinguished saxophonist in Las Vegas for more than 20 years. He performed for many famous artists including Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Mickey Rooney, Liberace, Chuck Berry, James Brown, and Jerry Lewis. Mr. McMasters is a guitar professor at the college while actively performing and teaching in the Springfield and Branson area.