Axe ’Em, Jacks!
NACOGDOCHES, Texas – The big band sounds of jazz greats like the Count Basie Orchestra and composer and arranger Sammy Nestico will be performed by the jazz bands at Stephen F. Austin State University in a concert at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 29, in Cole Concert Hall on the SFA campus.
Directed by Dr. Deb Scott, professor of trombone at SFA, and Dr. J.D. Salas, associate professor of tuba and euphonium studies, the Swingin’ Axes and the Swingin’ Aces student ensembles have planned “an exciting concert of classic big band compositions,” according to Scott.
The Swingin’ Axes will perform, in University of North Texas’ famous One O’Clock Lab Band style, Mike Bogle’s Grammy-nominated arrangement of Chick Corea’s “Got a Match?” It will feature Felipe Hernandez of Lufkin on lead alto saxophone.
Students Kevin Thomas of Houston, tenor sax, and Sterling Davis of Cambridge, Ohio, trombone, will be featured on Nestico’s “Tall Cotton,” made famous by the Count Basie Big Band. “Tickle Toe” by Lester Young will be performed like the rendition made famous by Rob McConnell and The Boss Brass. From the Stan Kenton tradition, Marty Paich’s arrangement of “My Old Flame” will feature Jacob Kilford of New Braunfels on alto saxophone and Travis Wattigney of Fort Worth on trumpet.
Also performed from the current big band repertoire will be “Bodysnatchers” composed by Radiohead and arranged by Fred Sturm.
The Swingin’ Aces will perform Nestico’s arrangement of “Splanky,” Dave Wolpe’s arrangement of “A Foggy Day” and close their portion of the concert with Japanese composer Yoko Kanno’s “Tank!” Many will recognize the work as the opening theme to the late 1990s anime show “Cowboy Bebop.”
Concert 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.