Jazz Jam

Over the last few years, as often as not Jazz Jam has had to be relocated to Parker Hall because of rain. This year, however, the desperately-needed rain held off until Sunday evening, and the Quad was again an ideal setting for a Woodstock music occasion, with candlelit tables, a food and beverage service, and good music. It was noticeable how many guests had joined us, in addition to the staff and students, and they obviously enjoyed what they heard.

The jazz band, under the direction of Ms. Megan Hagberg, were well-organised. The rhythm section was solid, with Jai Nalwa on drums and Jerry Arthur on bass, particularly, providing a solid foundation for the brass and saxophones. As ever, the definition of "jazz" was pushed quite a way, but classic soul tracks are always very acceptable to the audience, with their pumping rhythm and brass stabs, and there were enough of the more traditional repertoire to satisfy true aficionados.

In addition to the jazz band, there were two other performances. Aditya and Prateek, dorm staff, performed two short sets of conntemporary music. They were joined on a coupleof songs by new staff member Rob Kinkley. Aditya finished with a spectacular Sufi song, which echoed round the Quad.

The second feature was the inaugural performance by the newly-formed Middle School Jazz Club. An ensemble of electric guitars, drums, brass, flute, violins and 'cello gave a rousing rendition of, of all things, "Smoke on the Water", the Deep Purple rock classic. Bold in its conception, and stirring in its execution!

For those who are interested in following Woodstock music, here's the Jazz Band set list, with the featured soloists.

Set 1

Jumpin' at the Woodside

• Jonathan Wu
• Uzir Thapa
• Jeremy Arthur
• Chang Yoon Lee

Malagueña

• Juldis Trakanthaloengsak

Alexander's Ragtime Band

• Baek Chun Kim

Moondance

• Juldis Trakanthaloengsak
• Ho Yun Ryu
• Thomas Swanson

Set 2

My Girl

It Don't Mean a Thing

• Ho Yun Ryu
• Sang Hyeok Park

Soul Man

• David Abud
• Ennuri Jo
• Ho Yun Ryu

Set 3

The Pink Panther

• Featuring David Abud

Hallelujah I Love Her So

• David Abud
• Anshuman Deora

Can't Take That Away From Me

• Featuring Swati Goel

Caution: Contents Under Pressure

• Anirudh Vohra
• Ennuri Jo