Just Us by University of Northern Iowa Jazz Band One

UNIVERSITY OF NORTHERN IOWA
JAZZ BAND ONE
Robert Washut, Director

THE MUSIC
"We've dished up another characteristically eclectic program, one that typifies my programming philosophy in general: the juxtaposition of old and new, sewn together with the thread of quality, in terms of both musical content and to the best of our collective ability– its realization.

Epic Pepper Queen, an extended composition imbued with contrapuntal textures, is a kind of big band tour de force, challenging from the standpoints of ensemble execution and solo improvisation. Joey Sellers, an emerging composer of note, was a high school student of mine way back in the mid-seventies in Tempe, Arizona. His talent and moxie even as a neophyte, was clearly evident. You'll be hearing much more from him...of that I am certain.

My arrangement of Honey Boy was inspired by, and based on, a recording by Jerry Granelli's ultra-hip UFB band. A grooving funk shuffle, it is a splendid showcase for the guitar stylings of 'Magic' Mike Cramer. Smoke Gets In Your Eyes, a new arrangement of an old chestnut, features an engaging ballad interpretation by tenor saxophonist Dustin Bear.

In search of a vehicle to showcase the skill and musicianship of our outstanding saxophone section, I asked lead alto saxophonist Todd Munnik to write something in the World Saxophone Quartet 'bag'- something that would eschew the predictability and, dare I say, banality of the typical sax soli. He came up with Nervous Tic, an ostinato-based, odd-meter piece that explores a bit of free improvisation by each member of the section. ('Hey! We don't need no stinking rhythm section!')

Although I've included an Ellington title on nearly every Jazz Band One concert since 1984, this year is special. 1999 commemorates the great composer's Centennial anniversary. For this occasion we offer up two of Duke's compositions: Cottontail, from his so-called 'Masterpiece Period (ca. 1940-42) with the 'Blanton-Webster' band; and Oclupaca (Acapulco, backwards), from the sixties' Latin American Suite. Both of these charts are transcriptions by David Berger prepared for the annual Lincoln Center-sponsored 'Essentially Ellington' High School Jazz Band Competition.

For those of the higher-faster-louder persuasion, High Altotude is a blazing 'flag-waver.' As the title implies, it is a vehicle for our two alto saxophonists, Rick Stone (who solos first) and Todd Munnik. It is a real crowd pleaser, and is based on the chord changes to Fats Waller's Honeysuckle Rose.

Representing the Latin jazz tradition is Pianitis, written by the great Chico O'Farrill. It is a feature for pianist Steve Shanley. A pretty bolero provides a bookend effect by enclosing a cooking rumba. Jelly Roll, written by Charles Mingus in honor of perhaps the first great jazz composer, was arranged by baritone saxophonist Ronnie Cuber for the Mingus Big Band. Our whimsical interpretation provides a little light-hearted contrast in the program, while featuring several soloists.

Closing the program is Benny Golson's classic Along Came Betty. We had the opportunity to perform this and other Golson compositions - with Benny on our spring concert. In his role for this particular recording is Doug Johns, a member of my very first UNI Jazz Band One (1981). Doug came back to teach in the jazz studies program this past year and it is a pleasure to be able to feature him on this recording.
We hope you enjoy this offering, our eighth CD in as many years."

Bob Washut


Recorded by Tom Tatman & Jon Chamberlain on May 10-11, 1999
at Catamount Studios, Cedar Falls, lowa
Mixed by Tom Tatman and Bob Washut
Mastered by Jon Chamberlain
Cover design by Angela Menz
Photography by Kate Washut
Prepared for CD release by Danny Beher
Graphics by Scott Fuller, ZapSet, South Pasadena, CA

Thanks to: Northern Iowa Student Government, Richard and Dorothy Francis, Tom Barry (and his crew), John Vallentine, James Lubker, and West Music Company

This recording is dedicated to Bruce Chidester, former director of UNI Jazz Band II (and the UNI Bearcats), who retired this year. Bruce contributed his talents to the UNI jazz program for many years during his career. In addition, his son, Scott, was the drummer with Jazz Band One for four years.

The 1998-99 academic year was full of activity in the UNI Jazz Program. Perhaps most significant was the Outstanding Performance Award in DOWNBEAT magazine's Student Music Awards. This was the third 'OP' for Jazz Band One this decade. In addition, Jazz Band One performed as a featured band at the Kansas University Jazz Festival.

Guest artists who appeared on campus included the Pancho Sanchez band, trombonists Nick Lane and (UNI alum) Paul McKee, the Hal Galper Quintet (featuring Jerry Bergonzi and Tim Hagans), saxophonist Kim Richmond and trumpeter Clay Jenkins, as well as the legendary Benny Golson. Moreover, an exciting interdisciplinary collaboration involving the School of Music, the Department of Theater, and conductor/composer/sound painter Walter Thompson took place in March.