UM Jazz Ensemble and Combo to perform varied program Dec. 5

ORONO – The University of Maine Jazz Ensemble and the University of Maine Jazz Combo will appear in concert at Hauck Auditorium, Memorial Union, at the University of Maine at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 5.

Pieces the Jazz Ensemble will perform include:

. Billy Byer’s arrangement of “All of Me,” by composers Gerald Marks and Seymour Simon, and recorded by Count Basie and his Orchestra. Christine Sawtelle will be featured in a piano solo.

. Shelton Berg’s original chart, “Hot It Up.” The piece combines contemporary big band writing and modern rhythms with a second line street beat, reminiscent of the old New Orleans marching bands. Alto saxophonist PattBolin and trumpeter Justin Drew will be featured.

. Frank Mantooth’s bossa nova, “Leo,” featuring a small group within the big band, a style called voicing across sections. It includes solos from Tim Hart on tenor sax, John Maclaine on trombone, and Justin Drew on trumpet.

. Two Matt Harris compositions: “Top Daddy,” and “Schmoozability,” both with different styles of rock rhythms.

. Duke Ellington’s “Cottontail,” arranged by Dave Wolpe; Bob Mintzer’s jazz shuffle, “Havin’ Some Fun;” Phil Wilson’s swing chart, “Basically Blues;” “Woody’s Gold Star,” by trombonist John Fedchock; and an offering from Bill Cunliffe, entitled “All’s Well In Wellington.”

The pieces the Jazz Combo will perform will be chosen from eight works the group has worked on this semester.

In addition to the Dec. 5 concert, the Combo will perform at the University’s TGIF series at the Memorial Union Friday Nov. 22, and at the Chamber Music Recital Tuesday Dec. 3.

The Jazz Ensemble will make a TGIF appearance Friday Dec. 6, which ends this semester’s performance season.