Blurring Boundaries with HSU Jazz Orchestra

 HSU Jazz Orchestra blurs musical boundaries from country to Cuban pop, plus big band jazz classics on Saturday December 14 at Fulkerson Recital Hall.

 “I didn’t set out to do this,” said director Dan Aldag, “but I realized that the theme of this concert is ‘Blurring Boundaries.’ We’re playing arrangements of a ‘60s pop tune, a country song from the ‘50s, an obscure funk tune first recorded by James Brown, a Cuban pop song from 1912, an ‘80s French pop song and a couple of Tin Pan Alley standards.”

 Jazz purists also get a taste with classics from the Duke Ellington and Count Basie bands, including music meant to be heard by just one person: the Queen of England. A contemporary touch is added with a brand new piece by young jazz composer Omar Thomas.

 The Jazz Orchestra concert features vocals by Jo Kuzelka, and solos by pianist Alex Espe, clarinetist Nick Durant, trombonist Josh Foster and guitarist Kris Lang. Recent HSU grad Dan Fair contributes two arrangements, including a version of “They All Laughed,” a tune the Gershwins wrote for Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers. 

 The HSU Jazz Orchestra performs on Saturday December 14 at 8 p.m. in the Fulkerson Recital Hall at HSU. Tickets from HSU Box Office (826-3928) or at the door. $8/$5 seniors & children. HSU students admitted free. Concert produced by HSU Music Department.