Summary: The Uic Jazz Ensemble

Jazz is just one of the many genres of music in the world, but almost anyone can recognize a musical piece as jazz by the rhythm or the improvisation. However, there is more to jazz than the rhythm and improvisation; there is also the chorus structure, harmonic progression, and the instrumentation. In addition, an important element of jazz is the ensemble because it mixes different harmonizing instruments used in jazz to produce a singular sound as demonstrated by the UIC Jazz Ensemble. The UIC Jazz Ensemble, directed by Andy Baker, enlisted various instruments from piano to saxophone in order to perform a wide range of jazz numbers. The ensemble played various jazz tunes by several composers and arrangers. Additionally, the program offered
Creative effects, the arrangements, and individual solos set the mood and sensibilities for the songs. In the song “All of Me,” the song was swinging and upbeat from the start and then transitioned to a slower tempo. A creative effect of “All of Me” was the ending when the vibrations began to increase as the song was nearing its end. Also, the distinctive phrasing such as the noticeable piano playing, the ensemble coming together at the end, and the final beats of the drum effectively concluded the song. “To You,” which was arranged by Thad Jones, was a different style compared to “All of Me.” “To You” sounded more like a ballad because of the softer, melodic sound and harmony. The song was played in a legato manner as it was continuous without breaking between notes. The way the musicians ended “To You” by repeatedly playing the same beats and then finished with the soft sounds of the cymbals induced a tender feeling. Another song also arranged by Thad Jones is “Groove Merchant.” The style of the song is swing, so the song is more upbeat and has an exciting melody, even though there are less rhythmic variations. The song carried a constant melody and surprised the listeners with individual solos such as the piano and the clarinet. Even though “Groove Merchant” focused on specific instruments instead of the ensemble, the piano and clarinet solos is to emphasize on the sound the instruments produced and the mood that was created as a result. “Focus” is smoothly melodic as it began with a saxophone solo and the ensemble slowly entered to deliver a medium tempo. The main focus of this song is the several saxophone solos as the sound from the saxophone matches well with the general mood of the song, the mellowness. An inventive effect of the song is the repeated notes of the saxophone at the end that allowed the song to flow and stand out without the constant rhythm changes. “Title” is also a