Fairfield University’s Jazz Ensemble performed on Dec. 1, delivering an eclectic set full of jazz classics and original compositions. Featuring special guest Matt Wilson on the drums, the show was held at the Regina A. Quick Center’s Wien Theatre and drew in a sold out crowd for its 7 p.m. performance, the first of two shows that evening.
The Fairfield University Jazz Company was the first group of the ensemble to play. Starting with John Coltrane’s swinging “Cousin Mary,” the group definitely foreshadowed what was to come from the performance. Professor Brian Torff then introduced Wilson shortly after, and the ensemble began their next song, “Gertrude’s Bounce” by Richie Powell.
Although the ensemble alone drew a great reaction from the audience, Wilson’s drumming added extra flavor to the band. His drumming was immaculate, utilizing every piece of his drum kit from the bass drum and snare, to the ride cymbal and hi-hat, bringing the music of the ensemble to life.
The next song was an original track by ensemble member Nicholas McCarthy ’06 called “Killams Comment.” The song started with a smooth solo by McCarthy on the piano and then kicked up a notch, increasing the tempo as the horn sections blared in. After a few tempo changes, the song ended with an eruption of the drums and harmonized horns, with which Wilson yelled, “Yeah, baby!” at the song’s conclusion. “Killams Comment” proved to be one of the highlights of the night.
Wilson’s drumming was also prominent during Charlie Parker’s bebop tune “Yardbird Suite.” The song began with another solo from Wilson, as he used brushes to alter the sound of the drums. The solo lasted a little more than a minute and the rest of the ensemble soon joined.
Mid-way through, Wilson got up to teach the ensemble a little thing about improvisation. By Wilson’s command, each instrumentalist had his or her own improved solo, the best of which was Chris Pastore ’06 on bass and Andre Moraes ’07 on guitar. This song alone showed the extent of Wilson’s mastery and also the capabilities of the jazz ensemble.
Wilson is a renowned drummer in the jazz world. Receiving top honors in the Downbeat International Critics’ Poll, Wilson was also nominated for Jazz Drummer of the Year by the Jazz Journalists Association. As the lead for his band, Arts and Crafts, Wilson has six acclaimed albums, including his latest, 2004’s “Wake Up! (to What’s Happening).” He also leads tours with the Matt Wilson Quartet, the Carl Sardburg Project and Field Trip.
Trombonist for the jazz ensemble, Taylor Brown ’06, enjoyed playing with Wilson.
“Wilson added to the excitement of the performance,” he said. “He gave it a lot of energy.”
“It was fun. Music is fun,” said Wilson, of the ensemble’s first performance. To the ensemble, Wilson said, “You just have to go for it. Music is a great way for them to express themselves.”
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