Notice Board

Sounds Out of the Ordinary

Explore Out of the Ordinary Jazz at the University Theatre, Dec. 5 at 7:30 pm with the U of L Jazz Ensemble. “This concert is packed with an eclectic array of beautiful and challenging music to suit everyone’s taste," says Director Josh Davies. “Every piece is so different. It’s open mind, open heart, here we go!”

Davies wanted to create a concert featuring more than jazz standards, which was focused on the myriad of different sounds and meters of jazz. “I wanted it to be different for the band and the audience, but still comfortable to hear,” he explains.

Out of the Ordinary Jazz explores elements of fusion and funk with pieces that include: The Last Tangle of Lord Boogie and Gordon Goodwin’s Absoludicrous. With 24 members including a vocalist, auxiliary percussion and electronic keyboard, the ensemble has its set of challenges. “All of the pieces require all of our energy for various reasons,” explains Davies. “They’re all very different. The lord boogie piece looks odd; I need people to really watch me while playing. Other pieces have really pushed the band to its limit.”

Other highlights include Kukai, composed by former faculty member and U of L alumnus Dave Renter as well as an exciting finale featuring a strings arrangement.

Davies says the Jazz Ensemble has been hard at work putting together a truly enjoyable concert while trying to maintain the balance between fun and practice.

“I love it when you get to that point that something’s not working and then all of a sudden it does and you see that smile on their face, because at that moment they’ve achieved complete ownership of their work.”