Axe ’Em, Jacks!
NACOGDOCHES, Texas -The Swingin' Axes and Swingin's Aces jazz bands at Stephen F. Austin State University will perform classic swing music at their next concert at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 9, in Cole Concert Hall on the SFA campus.
The performance will feature the music of Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Henry Mancini and other great jazz composers.
Directed by Dr. Gary Wurtz, professor of trumpet and jazz studies at SFA, the Swingin' Axes' program will include Ellington's classic "Take the A-Train" and Buddy Rich's "Basically Blues."
"Tom Kubis' roaring rendition of 'Bill Bailey' and a beautiful arrangement of Branislau Kaper's haunting tune 'Invitation' are also on the program," Wurtz said.
The Aces, under the direction of Dr. Deb Scott, professor of trombone at SFA, will perform Joe Garland's "In the Mood," made popular by the Glenn Miller jazz orchestra, and "Autumn Leaves" by Joseph Kosma, arranged by former SFA School of Music professor the late Darrell Holt. The arrangement will feature music student Rene Luna, Dallas senior, on alto sax.
The Aces will also perform "Mack the Knife," composed by Kurt Weill with lyrics by Bertolt Brecht.
"This was originally composed for their well-known music drama, 'Three Penny Opera,'" Scott said. "Sung by Bobby Darin, it became a No. 1 hit in the United States and Great Britain in 1959." Overton sophomore Barry Martin will sing the piece with the Swingin' Aces.
A performance of "Dreamsville" by famous American composer Mancini, which became a hit in 1960 when it was sung by Andy Williams, will feature Martin on the piano. Basie's "Jumpin' at the Woodside" will also be performed.
The concert is a joint presentation of the SFA College of Fine Arts and School of Music. Tickets are $8 for adults, $6 for seniors and $3 for students and youth. For tickets or more information, call the SFA Fine Arts Box Office at (936) 468-6407 or visit www.finearts.sfasu.edu.