Jazz Concert Report Report Samples

On March 10, 2016, at 6:00 PM I attended the All-University Jazz Ensemble at the Northern Illinois University’s Arboretum. This was the first jazz concert of the year with a special guest being a well-renowned jazz maestro, Jason Pitt. The directors of the concert were Chris Leach and Michael Mixtacki. The concert collectively performed a total of ten pieces. However, the most prominent pieces for the night were “St. Thomas” written by Sonny Rollins and “Palo Pa’ Rumba” written by Eddie Palmieri. These particular pieces used different styles that allowed the whole audience to experiences the different sides of jazz music. They create a soothing atmosphere that was just perfect for the moment. The Arboterum was packed full; however, I was lucky to get a seat in the middle where I could get a glimpse of everything that was happening on stage.
The “St. Thomas” piece was arranged by Chris Leach and it was the first performance for the night. It had a consonant slow beat in the beginning. The texture of this jazz performance was constant as it remains the same all through. It had a simple 1, 2, 3 pattern to it which you could not miss to notice. The trumpet by the jazz maestro and the saxophone took turns severally at the melody and at a moment they acted as the soloists. The dynamics of this particular piece were soothing and they increased in pace to a faster level before an expected decrescendo which brought it back to its smooth and soft tone. This song was so involving that made wonder who was this St. Thomas was and why a song so beautiful would made in his remembrance. This piece was outstanding compared to other pieces of the night; no wonder it was the opening act. I would definitely recommend this piece to a friend or a family member because it has a very bright and happy feel to it. It will make you smile at a time of your sorrow.
The “Palo Pa’ Rumba” was the last piece of the night and personally my best. It was directed by the one and only Michael Mixtacki. The song was Latin-inspired with its set of consonance. It brought a romantic atmosphere sin the arboretum and the couples in the room were in for a treat. A saxophone and a piano alternated the melody of the piece all through the song and this soft melody was so intriguing it almost made me get up on my feet and move with the beat. There was so much passion, and the texture of the song changed once the piano’s and the saxophone’s melody took over. The rhythm was constant and steady all through; however it got faster towards the end of the performance. It was at this very point that I could clearly distinguish the dynamics of the piece as they were getting clearer and louder. The climax of the song was well all the instruments met at a high note at the same time and then unexpectedly change the dynamics to a moderate level until the song ended. This particular song reminded me of the “Bitter sweet symphony” by The Verve.
I found attending and listening to the jazz music a worthwhile experience and I would definitely come with my friends and family to another concert like this.