Jazzing up a Tuesday Evening

In the cozy confines of the high school MOP room, the Rittman High School Jazz band gave a great performance Tuesday evening. The performance was evidence that these student musicians had been working hard all school year. The Jazz band took us from Cuba to New York City, covering several periods of the 20th century. We heard selections from from Ernesto Lecuona, to Isaac Hayes, to Tommy Jam

es, from many genres. It was all good.

The audience was treated to solo performances during most of the performances by various members of the band. A lot of talent was on display.

The evening of entertainment was kicked with a selection from Cuba, "Malaguena". The Jazz band then performed the 1930's classic "Blue Monk." Off to the 1960's-Bossa Nova, James Bond, style, "Bubbert Goes Undercover."

Those of enough who remember 1970's classic rock recognized the Steely Dan hit "Rikki Don't Lose Th

at Number."

A selection by big band legend Duke Ellington, "Mood Indigo" was next, followed by "Birdland".

Before a brief intermission the band performed what some think is the greatest jazz song of all time, "Sing, Sing, Sing".

After the break, the band came back with "Another Day, Another Blues". Those of us who remember the early days of "Saturday Night Live" recognized the next song, made popular in those days by Dan Akroyd and John Bellushi, the Blues Brothers, "Soul Man" written by Isaac Hayes.

"Malibu Drive" was followed by a hit by Les Brown and his Band of Renown, "Sentimental Journey", with a vocal from Sasha Caynor.

"Blue 'N Boogie", made popular by Dizzie Gillespie, was the next selection, and the evening ended with the Tommy James and the Shondells hit "Mony, Mony".

The Jazz band has a CD of their songs available for $5.00, all proceeds going to the band. After the concert, I am convinced that this collection is a great value.

We were reminded again that the band boosters(WGBB) are preparing a spaghetti dinner to raise funds for the band on June 1, from 4:30-8:00, with entertainment provided by the Jazz Band and The steel drum band.

Advance tickets for the dinner is $7.00 or $8.00 at the door .

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