Axe ’Em, Jacks!
NACOGDOCHES, TEXAS - The Stephen F. Austin State University jazz bands, The Swingin' Axes and Swingin' Aces, will present a joint concert at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 20, in Cole Concert Hall on the SFA campus.
The Swingin' Aces will open the concert with an eclectic program of swing, ballad and rock styles, according to Deb Scott, SFA assistant professor of trombone and the group's director.
Among the selections will be McCoy Tyner's "Atlantis," Kurt Weill's "Mack the Knife" and Joe Zawinul's "Mercy, Mercy, Mercy."
The Aces will also perform two pieces by Johnny Burke and James Van Heusen: "Here's that Rainy Day" and "Imagination," which will feature Houston freshman Kyle Gardner on flugelhorn and Huntsville freshman Keltin Jordan on tenor saxophone.
The Swingin' Axes' portion of the program will feature several arrangements that highlight the writing of legendary composer/arranger Bill Holman, explained Gary Wurtz, SFA professor of trumpet and the band's director.
These include "The Daily Dance" from Stan Kenton's "Birthday in Britain" album, "Ticker" from Count Basie's "I Told You So" album and "Make My Day" off the Bill Holman big band compact disc entitled "A View From the Side."
The Axes will also perform selections from contemporary composers Matt Harris, Bob Mintzer and Mark Taylor.
The concert is a joint presentation of the SFA College of Fine Arts and School of Music. Cole Concert Hall is located in the Wright Music Building, 2210 Alumni Dr.
Tickets are $5 for adults, $4 for seniors and $2 for students. For tickets or more information, please visit www.finearts.sfasu.edu or call (936) 468-6407 or (888) 240-ARTS.