1976 – 1977 Season
BIG BAND SOUND
Featuring Joe Williams
October 10, 1976 | Mees Hall
Joe Williams was a pro since 1937, and was voted the outstanding male singer in 1975’s “Downbeat” Critic’s Poll. He sang with Coleman Hawkins and Lionel Hampton and was best known for his six years as a member of the Count Basie Orchestra. Williams was the foremost urban blues singer to fuse the blues with the Big Band Sounds. Program selections were announced from the stage.
Performers:
Artistic Director – Ray Eubanks
Saxophones
Burdette Green, Jim Gallagher, Sonny McBroom, Byron Rooker, Steve Genteline
Trombones
Tom Dale, Ola Hanson, Gary Carney, George Moran
Trumpets
Wes Orr, Bob Birkhimer, Stan Gilliland, Ray Eubanks, Larry Spencer
Rhythm Section
Bobby Pierce – Piano | Al Berry – Bass | Jim Curlis – Drums | Pat Ankrom – Percussion
BIG BAND SOUND
Featuring Wayne Andre
December 5, 1976 | Mees Hall
“The trombone player’s trombonist” is how musicians in the Big Apple described the former side man of Woody Herman, Kai Winding, and Gerry Mulligan. He played in and was a major contributor to the Bill Watrous Manhattan Wildlife Refuge Band. He was also a great composer and arranger, as well as one of New York’s busiest players. Program selections were announced from the stage.
Performers:
Artistic Director – Ray Eubanks
Saxophones
Burdette Green, Jim Gallagher, Sonny McBroom, Byron Rooker, Steve Genteline
Trombones
Tom Dale, Ola Hanson, Gary Carney, George Moran
Trumpets
Wes Orr, Bob Birkhimer, Stan Gilliland, Ray Eubanks, Larry Spencer
Rhythm Section
Bobby Pierce – Piano | Al Berry – Bass | Jim Curlis – Drums | Pat Ankrom – Percussion
A CONCERT OF “CONTEMPORARY AMERICAN MUSIC” IN THE GREAT McINTOSH TRADITION
Featuring Ladd McIntosh
January 18, 1977 | Mees Hall
Former Columbus Jazzman, McIntosh returned by popular demand for his 5th Arts Group appearance. He led the orchestra in a new work commissioned by Capital University. McIntosh continued to receive critics’ acclaim. This program featured one of the best-known works based on the Themes of Duke Ellington. Program selections were announced from the stage.
Performers:
Artistic Director – Ray Eubanks
Saxophones
Burdette Green, Jim Gallagher, Sonny McBroom, Byron Rooker, Steve Genteline
Trombones
Ola Hanson, Gary Carney, George Moran, Vaughn Wiester, Mark Greenwood
Trumpets
Wes Orr, Bob Birkhimer, Stan Gilliland, Ray Eubanks, Larry Spencer
Rhythm Section
Bobby Pierce – Piano | Al Berry – Bass | Jim Curlis – Drums | Kevin Willmering – Percussion
BIG BAND SOUNDS
Featuring Ernie Wilkins
March 20, 1977 | Mees Hall
Ernie Wilkins was a principal contributor to Clark Terry’s Big Bad Band, as well as member of the saxophone section of that band. He toured extensively as a member of the Clark Terry Quintet and was a member of the Great Basie Bands of the 50s. Program selections were announced from the stage.
Performers:
Artistic Director – Ray Eubanks
Saxophones
Burdette Green, Jim Gallagher, Sonny McBroom, Byron Rooker, Steve Genteline
Trombones
Ola Hanson, Gary Carney, George Moran, Vaughn Wiester, Mark Greenwood
Trumpets
Wes Orr, Bob Birkhimer, Stan Gilliland, Ray Eubanks, Larry Spencer
Rhythm Section
Bobby Pierce – Piano | Al Berry – Bass | Jim Curlis – Drums | Kevin Willmering – Percussion
THE BRECKER BROTHERS
April 4, 1977 | Mees Hall
This duo has been associated with Blood, Sweat, and Tears, The Average White Band, James Taylor, Stevie Wonder, Deodato, Thad Jones, Mel Lewis, and many many more. They were co-leaders of their own band and their album The Brecker Brothers reached the top 50 in New York City. Their music was an exciting mixture of Jazz-Rock and together, with the Jazz Arts Group Orchestra, it was an exciting evening. Program selections were announced from the stage.
Performers:
Artistic Director – Ray Eubanks
Saxophones
Burdette Green, Jim Gallagher, Sonny McBroom, Byron Rooker, Steve Genteline
Trombones
Ola Hanson, Gary Carney, George Moran, Vaughn Wiester, Mark Greenwood
Trumpets
Wes Orr, Bob Birkhimer, Stan Gilliland, Ray Eubanks, Larry Spencer
Rhythm Section
Bobby Pierce – Piano | Al Berry – Bass | Jim Curlis – Drums | Pat Ankrom – Percussion | Jeff DiAngelo – Bass | Tony Martuci – Drums | Kevin Wilmering – Percussion | Dave Shoupe – Guitar
TOM SCOTT
May 8, 1977 | Mees Hall
Tom Scott was an outstanding west coast woodwind virtuoso, composer-arranger. Tom wrote and toured with Joni Mitchell, Barbara Streisand, Carole King, John Lennon, Gerry Mulligan, and Pat Williams, to name a few. Program selections were announced from the stage.
Performers:
Artistic Director – Ray Eubanks
Saxophones
Burdette Green, Jim Gallagher, Sonny McBroom, Byron Rooker, Steve Genteline
Trombones
Ola Hanson, Gary Carney, Tom Dale, Vaughn Wiester
Trumpets
Wes Orr, Bob Birkhimer, Stan Gilliland, Ray Eubanks, Jerry Kaye
Rhythm Section
Bobby Pierce – Piano | Al Berry – Bass | Jim Curlis – Drums | Pat Ankrom – Percussion
