Axe ’Em, Jacks!
NACOGDOCHES, Texas – The Stephen F. Austin State University School of Music will present the Swingin’ Axes and Swingin’ Aces jazz bands performing at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 7, in Cole Concert Hall on the SFA campus.
Among the highlights of the concert will be a performance of Radiohead’s “Everything In Its Right Place,” arranged by James Miley, said Dr. Deb Scott, professor of trombone and director of the Axes.
“This arrangement of this modern rock song uses electronic effects and vocals, some of which I’ll be singing, to create a contemporary jazz sound,” Scott said.
The Axes will also perform “Take the ‘A’ Train” by Billy Strayhorn in a new arrangement by Gordon Goodwin that will feature lead tenor saxophone player Alec Bartlett, a sophomore from Winter Springs, Florida.
Also on the Axes program are “Afro Blue” by Mongo Santamaria, arranged by Michael Philp Mossman; “Here’s That Rainy Day” by Jimmy Van Heusen, arranged by Dee Barton; “The Opener” by Bill Holman (also written and recorded by the Stan Kenton Orchestra); “Boneheads” by Nick Lane; “Fall Madness” by Bill Liston; and “23’ North/82’ West” by William Russ, as recorded by the Stan Kenton Orchestra on the CD “New Concepts in Artistry in Rhythm.”
The Swingin’ Aces, directed by Dr. J.D. Salas, associate professor of tuba and euphonium, will feature several selections arranged by Sammy Nestico and Dave Wolpe, including “Fly Me To The Moon” by Bart Howard, “I’m Beginning To See The Light” by Rory Bourke and “The Shadow of Your Smile” by Johnny Mandel.
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 http://www.finearts.sfasu.edu/.