The Jazz Arts Group’s 1979-1980 concert series began with an opening concert featuring Herb Ellis. Throughout the season, appearances were made by the Brecker Brothers, Bill Holman, Clark Terry, and Lee Konitz, with a concluding concert featuring Louie Bellson.

 

HERB ELLIS

October 7, 1979 | Battelle Auditorium

Herb Ellis was given his first guitar as a four-year-old living in Farmersville, Texas. Following that, he blessed the harmonious contributions of Jimmy Dorsey, Ella Fitzgerald, Julie London, Oscar Peterson, Joe Pass, Barney Kessel, and Charlie Byrd. Herb devoted most of his time to concerts and club appearances. He collaborated with fellow-guitarists Barney Kessel as a duo and with Kessel and Charlie Byrd in a trio known as the Great Guitars. Program selections were announced from the stage.

 

Performers: 

Artistic Director – Ray Eubanks

Saxophones
Burdette Green, Jim Gallagher, Sonny McBroom, Byron Rooker, Steve Genteline, Dave Wheeler

Trombones
Vaughn Wiester, Ola Hanson, Gary Carney, Gary Twining

Trumpets
Wes Orr, Bob Birkhimer, Stan Gilliland, Al Wise, Ray Eubanks

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

 

THE BRECKER BROTHERS

November 10, 1979 | Battelle Auditorium

As sidemen, they filled out the horn line for both the straight-ahead jazz sound of Horace Silver and the explosive fusion sound of Billy Cobham. As co-leaders of their own band, they ran the gambit from skin-tight, precise charts featuring the perfect parallel motion of Randy’s tenor to the simple joys of funk. This was the Breckers’ first Columbus appearance since teaming up with JAG in the spring of 1977. Program selections were announced from the stage.

Performers: 
Artistic Director – Ray Eubanks

Saxophones
Burdette Green, Jim Gallagher, Sonny McBroom, Byron Rooker, Steve Genteline, Dave Wheeler

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

Trumpets
Wes Orr, Bob Birkhimer, Stan Gilliland, Randy Meuller, Ray Eubanks

Rhythm Section
Bobby Pierce – Piano | Al Berry – Bass | Bob Breithaupt – Drums | Steve Grier – Percussion

BILL HOLMAN

December 2, 1979 | Battelle Auditorium

A prolific composer, arranger, and five-time Grammy nominee Bill Holman fronted his own 19-piece band while bringing his unique style of writing to the ears of club and concert audiences. Bill’s writing was his trademark. Name bands that have benefited from his talents include Count Basie, Charlie Barnet, Louie Bellson, Maynard Ferguson, Terry Gibbs, Woody Herman, Stan Kenton, Gerry Mulligan, Buddy Rich, Doc Severinsen, and Ed Shaughnessy. Program selections were announced from the stage.

Performers:
Artistic Director – Ray Eubanks

Saxophones
Burdette Green, Jim Gallagher, Sonny McBroom, Byron Rooker, Steve Genteline, Dave Wheeler

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

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

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

CLARK TERRY

March 8, 1980 | Battelle Auditorium

Clark Terry’s musical reputation dates back to the brass section of the Duke Ellington band of the 1950s. Later during the stint with the NBC Orchestra, he developed the “Mumbles” routine which he continued to share with his audiences. Terry was one of the first professional jazz musicians to share his knowledge with high school and college students. Wherever he went, whether to play or teach, there was no doubt that he spoke his own language on the instrument. Program selections were announced from the stage.

Performers: 

Artistic Director – Ray Eubanks

Saxophones
Burdette Green, Jim Gallagher, Sonny McBroom, Byron Rooker, Steve Genteline, Dave Wheeler

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

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

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

LEE KONITZ

April 12, 1980 | Battelle Auditorium

Back in 1950 when Lee Konitz arrived in New York from Chicago, Charlie Parker was the most influential altoist and the most influential musician in jazz. not only fellow alto players but tenor men, pianists, and even drummers were trying to sound like Bird. But Konitz, a kid of 21, became the only altoist to develop and retain a unique style in that atmosphere. Program selections were announced from the stage.

 

Performers:
Artistic Director – Ray Eubanks

Saxophones
Byron Rooker

Trombones
Ola Hanson, Vaughn Wiester

Trumpets
Dennis Dotson, Ray Eubanks

Rhythm Section
Bobby Pierce – Piano | Jeff D’Angelo – Bass | Tony Martucci – Drums

 

LOUIE BELLSON

May 3, 1980 | Battelle Auditorium

Once called “the world’s greatest drummer” by Duke Ellington, Louie Bellson brought his driving beat to Columbus for the second time with the Jazz Arts Group. A veteran of the bands of Ellington, Benny Goodman, Harry James, and many others, Louie was an accomplished performer, composer, and conductor of music for himself and his wife, Pearl Bailey. Louie’s awesome technique and musicianship, along with his warm personality made him one of the country’s most popular clinicians and respected musicians. Program selections were announced from the stage.

 

Performers: 

Artistic Director – Ray Eubanks

Saxophones
Burdette Green, Jim Gallagher, Sonny McBroom, Byron Rooker, Steve Genteline, Dave Wheeler

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

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

Rhythm Section
Bobby Pierce – Piano | Al Berry – Bass | Bob Breithaupt – Drums | Steve Grier – Percussion | Roger Hines – Bass