SMU, WSU host evening of jazz

The WSU Jazz Band

The SMU Jazz Ensemble

WINONA, Minn. — Saint Mary’s University and Winona State University will partner up for a free night of jazz at Jefferson Pub and Grill from 7:30-9:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 3.

The SMU Jazz Ensemble, directed by Dr. John Paulson, and the WSU Jazz Band, directed by Dr. Rich MacDonald, will perform back-to-back during “University Jazz Night.”

SMU big band highlights will include:

• “Smack Dab in the Middle,” a Sammy Nestico original from the Count Basie book, which will feature SMU senior Ryan Ballanger of the Twin Cities on tenor sax.
• “Keep the Stick” by trombonist and University of Minnesota jazz director Dean Sorenson, which features the “plunger” trombone stylings of SMU senior Tom Briese of Rochester.
• “The Nasty Blues” by Mike Carubia, featuring several soloists in the SMU band.
• The band will close on a high-energy note with an arrangement of the jazz standard “Blue Skies” by Mark Taylor.

The WSU set will include:

• “Southeast Sixstep,” a new composition from Eric Richards, which features a 6/4 rhythm that switches between Latin and Swing styles and includes solos by WSU senior Alan Rewitzer of Coon Rapids on trumpet; and freshman Justin Solle of La Crosse, Wis., on tenor saxophone.
• “Bag’s Groove,” a great blues standard recorded by Milt Jackson with the Clayton/Hamilton big band. The WSU rendition features senior Matt Meler of Oconomowoc, Wis., on vibes, as well as solos by freshman Kelly Blau of Burnsville on guitar; sophomore Jase Ginkel of Eden Prairie on trombone; senior Alan Rewitzer of Coon Rapids on trumpet; and freshman Justin Soller of La Crosse on tenor saxophone.
• “Hit the Ground Running,” a new Gordon Goodwin composition from the “Act Your Age” CD, which features the whole band.

For information, call Jefferson Pub and Grill at (507) 452-2718 or Paulson at (507) 457-1596.