The Jazz Arts Group’s 1978-1979 concert series began with an opening concert featuring Benny Carter. Additional artists featured during our fifth season included Roland Hanna and Frank Wess, Joe Williams, Manny Albam, Jim Pugh, and Lew Soloff. JAG wrapped up the season with a concert featuring Louie Bellson.

 

BENNY CARTER

September 17, 1978 | Battelle Auditorium

Benny Carter was the featured attraction at the White House Jazz Festival in the spring of 1978. His appearance with JAG was his first time back in Columbus in over 20 years. Program selections were announced from the stage.

 

Performers: 

Artistic Director – Ray Eubanks

Saxophones
Jim Gallagher, Sonny McBroom, Byron Rooker, Steve Genteline, Jim Staten

Trombones
Ola Hanson, Vaughn Wiester, Mark Greenwood, Nelson Foucht

Trumpets
Wes Orr, Bob Birkhimer, Stan Gilliland, Ray Eubanks, Jerry Kaye

Rhythm Section
Bobby Pierce – Piano | Al Berry – Bass | Jim Curlis – Drums

 

ROLAND HANNA & FRANK WESS

November 12, 1978 | Battelle Auditorium

Roland Hanna and Frank Wess, co-leaders of the New York Jazz Quartet, shared the stage for this wonderful night of jazz. The evening featured Hanna at the piano, a quartet with Hanna and Wess, and, of course, the JAG orchestra. Program selections were announced from the stage.

 

 

Performers:
Artistic Director – Ray Eubanks

Saxophones
Burdette Green, Jim Gallagher, Byron Rooker, Steve Genteline

Trumpets
Wes Orr, Bob Birkhimer, Stan Gilliland, Ray Eubanks, Jerry Kaye

Rhythm Section
Bobby Pierce – Piano | Al Berry – Bass | Jim Curlis – Drums

JOE WILLIAMS

December 9, 1978 | Battelle Auditorium

The greatest big band blues singer of all time returned for his second JAG appearance. Williams, a regular in the Count Basie Bands of the 50s and 60s, developed his own solo career. Program selections were announced from the stage.

Performers:
Artistic Director – Ray Eubanks

Saxophones
Burdette Green, Nelson Foucht, Jim Gallagher, Sonny McBroom, Dave Wheeler, Steve Genteline

Trombones
Ola Hanson, Mark Greenwood, Vaughn Wiester

Trumpets
Wes Orr, Bob Birkhimer, Stan Gilliland, Ray Eubanks, Jerry Kaye

Rhythm Section
Bobby Pierce – Piano | Sid Townsend – Bass | Jim Curlis – Drums | Steve Grier – Percussion

MANNY ALBAM, JIM PUGH, & LEW SOLOFF

January 20, 1979 | Battelle Auditorium

Manny Albam, former composer and arranger for the bands of Charlie Barnett, Woody Herman, Si Zentner, and Artie Shaw, was one of New York’s busiest freelance writers. Pugh and Soloff were graduates of the Eastman School of Music. Trombonist Pugh paid his dues on the road with Woody Herman for three years before he moved to New York. Soloff had trumpet solos on several Blood, Sweat, and Tears gold records, giving him a great deal of notoriety. Unlike many musicians, he chose to follow a career closer to jazz and more creative music. Program selections were announced from the stage.

 

 

 

Performers: 

Artistic Director – Ray Eubanks

Saxophones
Jim Gallagher, Sonny McBroom, Byron Rooker, Steve Genteline, Jim Staten

Trombones
Tom Dale, Ola Hanson, Mark Greenwood, Vaughn Wiester

Trumpets
Wes Orr, Bob Birkhimer, Stan Gilliland, Ray Eubanks, Jerry Kaye

Rhythm Section
Bobby Pierce – Piano | Sid Townsend – Bass | Jim Curlis – Drums | Pat Ankrom – Percussion

LOUIE BELLSON

May 3, 1979 | Battelle Auditorium

Louie Bellson was the first drummer ever to be featured as a JAG guest. Louie Bellson, one of the most popular stick men of all time, brought his driving style to the stage. 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, Vaughn Wiester, Mark Greenwood, Tom Dale

Trumpets
Wes Orr, Bob Birkhimer, Stan Gilliland, Ray Eubanks, Jerry Kaye

Rhythm Section
Bobby Pierce – Piano | Sid Townsend – Bass | Jim Curlis – Drums | Pat Ankrom – Percussion