"An Evening of Vocal Jazz"
Vincent Lee
Last Updated:4:16 PM PST 8/13/08 Section: Entertainment
(Editor's note: the reviewer is a student in the CC music department)
The evening of Thursday May 8 I attended the Cypress College (CC) Vocal Jazz Ensemble's (VJE) "An Evening of Vocal Jazz"
Not many CC students know about the jazz program at CC, although the VJE has performed many times on and off campus this semester, according to Jerry Bartucciotto a tenor in the ensemble.
Turnout for the event was very good with nearly every seat filled.
The combination of vocals, piano, bass, drums and guitars gave the performances a very lively and intimate feel to it. The performers had a upbeat, energetic vibe. They were always smiling.
The VJE's blending of their voices was excellent. There was a moment when Bartucciotto sang a tenor solo, but when I looked up, I realized that another tenor, Dennis Lakomski was also singing the same tenor part.
The VJE's rendition of the song "Like Someone in Love" sounded incredibly rich. The jazz chords in that song sounded amazing, full and vibrant.
In addition to ensemble pieces, students also put together their own ensemble pieces, separate from the VJE's repertoire.
Jazz repertoire is difficult to learn, but at the same time, exciting if done well, like in the case of CC VJE.
Although the VJE class is only one unit, it is a lot of work and is equivalent to about a six unit class, according to Jason Sebino of the VJE. Dr. Kate Reid who directs the VJE places a lot of emphasis on quality work and pushes her students to a high standard of performance. The VJE's level of performance that night reflected that standard.
Some students come to CC just for the jazz program according to Bartucciotto.
The evening of Thursday May 8 I attended the Cypress College (CC) Vocal Jazz Ensemble's (VJE) "An Evening of Vocal Jazz"
Not many CC students know about the jazz program at CC, although the VJE has performed many times on and off campus this semester, according to Jerry Bartucciotto a tenor in the ensemble.
Turnout for the event was very good with nearly every seat filled.
The combination of vocals, piano, bass, drums and guitars gave the performances a very lively and intimate feel to it. The performers had a upbeat, energetic vibe. They were always smiling.
The VJE's blending of their voices was excellent. There was a moment when Bartucciotto sang a tenor solo, but when I looked up, I realized that another tenor, Dennis Lakomski was also singing the same tenor part.
The VJE's rendition of the song "Like Someone in Love" sounded incredibly rich. The jazz chords in that song sounded amazing, full and vibrant.
In addition to ensemble pieces, students also put together their own ensemble pieces, separate from the VJE's repertoire.
Jazz repertoire is difficult to learn, but at the same time, exciting if done well, like in the case of CC VJE.
Although the VJE class is only one unit, it is a lot of work and is equivalent to about a six unit class, according to Jason Sebino of the VJE. Dr. Kate Reid who directs the VJE places a lot of emphasis on quality work and pushes her students to a high standard of performance. The VJE's level of performance that night reflected that standard.
Some students come to CC just for the jazz program according to Bartucciotto.
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