The Bell Ringer

Issue date: 4/27/10 Section: Arts & Life

Media Credit: SHAWNA FREEMAN Trombone player Wycliff Gordon plays a few notes for fans after the "Jazz Under the Stars" performance at the Augusta State amphitheater.

Wycliffe Gordon, the world-renown and critically-acclaimed trombone player, captivated Augusta music lovers as he performed with the ASU Jazz Ensemble at Augusta State University.

The show entitled, "Jazz Under The Stars," featured Gordon, who is an Augusta native, as the guest performer. The Jazz Ensemble made up the accompanying band and served as a solid support for Gordon mesmerizing solos. The show was held as a benefit concert for the Wycliffe Gordon Jazz Scholarship, which all ticket money and donations were given. The scholarship goes to students involved in the Augusta State Jazz Program.

"I consider Wycliffe Gordon the world's greatest jazz trombonist," said Rob Foster, a professor of music. "We are fortunate that he is from this area and that he's been interested in helping further the cause of jazz in Augusta, particularly jazz education."

The concert, which was directed Foster, began on time to a packed house. The amphitheatre was filled with smooth sounds hailing from trombones, trumpets, saxophones, guitars, drums, and peppy piano samba. The first song of the evening was "St. Louis Blues," a number that set the tone of the evening with its jazzy rhythm and funky cadence.

Throughout the show, Gordon performed many solos, but never shied away from letting his fellow musicians shine. Each musician in the ensemble had a significant and impressive solo. Foster also said that because Augusta State students don't have ample opportunities to perform with world-class jazz musicians, like Gordon, the "Jazz Under The Stars," with the extraordinary musician, is a marvel.

"[Performing with Wycliffe] is a real honor," said JoBen Rivera-Thompson, a sophomore and communications and Spanish major. "He's one of the few so talented people on trombone, and it's rare to see. He makes a trombone sound like a trumpet. Anytime you play with someone at that high of a level, it makes you want to play at that same level."

As the crowd applauded and whistled after each song performance, Foster took the stage to remind onlookers of the scholarship's benefits. At one point, Gordon took to the mic and expressed his love for Augusta and his musical vision for the city.

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