2008 Woodie Awards
Playing for grades. . . but mostly for fun
Jazz guitar ensemble lets loose as students strum their way through an infectious and enthusiastic set
Laurel Wypkema
Issue date: 4/2/03 Section: Entertainment
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Even if you're not well-versed in jazz, you'd have to have tried pretty hard not to enjoy the jazz guitar ensemble playing at Oscar Peterson Concert Hall last Friday night. Some very talented students performed there over three days last week to fulfill part of their course requirements, but just because they were being closely watched by their professor didn't mean they weren't also having a great time. "Yeah, it's for grades," said first year guitarist James Annett, "and it's for fun."
The guitar ensemble was made up mostly of first year students and included Annett, Paul Henbury, Fernando Lanz, Yonah Sapir and Olivier St-Pierre on guitar, Sylvain Delisle on bass, Dan Eastcott on piano and Dan Sebastiani on drums. It was clear, as they strummed their way through five songs, that they love what they study. Directed by Alain Turgeon, the group played to a scattered audience of less than 30 people, but they sounded great and their enthusiasm was infectious. And though an appreciative, if a bit subdued, audience cheered them on, no one was having a better time than the guys on stage.
Ever heard five jazz guitars live? A recording is no substitute for the energy these guys let loose, though the audience was slow to respond. The sound was intoxicating and the group performed their way brilliantly through each piece, their tempo increasing with each new song. Highlights included "Man That's Neat," "Samba Do, Samba Don't," and the finale, "Groovy," which included a particularly energy-packed solo performance by Paul Henbury.
But the Concordia musicians weren't the only act that night. Turgeon also teaches at CÉGEP St. Thérèse and brought along some of his students for the first act of the night.
The sextet took the stage looking a bit like ragamuffins, with their untucked shirts, grubby shoes and sheepish grins. But holy damn, those kids had talent! The group included the only female performer of the night and she took the stage in a bright red dress and big stomping boots. As if she had to rely on appearance to be noticed.
Veronique Laberge sang her way through four of the group's five songs with shocking energy. Sitting demurely on a stool in center stage for most of the set, she stood only once to brace herself for an amazing performance of "Look Ma, No Hands" which, she forewarned with a laugh, was a "difficult song." She nailed it. The guys around her at their respective instruments were just as talented, but this girl's strong, charmingly French-accented voice was definitely the scene-stealer.
The group included piano, drums, bass, guitar and trumpet and they played a set of six songs with the apparent effortlessness that is truly the mark of talent. Each piece broke off into solo digressions to allow each musician to display his talent. They were all great. Like the guitar ensemble after them, they could have been performing for any jazz club in the city. Students will be performing at Oscar Peterson throughout the month of April and if Friday night's performances were any indication, they are not to be missed.
For show times, check out oscar.concordia.ca. Tickets are free for students with valid I.D. cards.
The guitar ensemble was made up mostly of first year students and included Annett, Paul Henbury, Fernando Lanz, Yonah Sapir and Olivier St-Pierre on guitar, Sylvain Delisle on bass, Dan Eastcott on piano and Dan Sebastiani on drums. It was clear, as they strummed their way through five songs, that they love what they study. Directed by Alain Turgeon, the group played to a scattered audience of less than 30 people, but they sounded great and their enthusiasm was infectious. And though an appreciative, if a bit subdued, audience cheered them on, no one was having a better time than the guys on stage.
Ever heard five jazz guitars live? A recording is no substitute for the energy these guys let loose, though the audience was slow to respond. The sound was intoxicating and the group performed their way brilliantly through each piece, their tempo increasing with each new song. Highlights included "Man That's Neat," "Samba Do, Samba Don't," and the finale, "Groovy," which included a particularly energy-packed solo performance by Paul Henbury.
But the Concordia musicians weren't the only act that night. Turgeon also teaches at CÉGEP St. Thérèse and brought along some of his students for the first act of the night.
The sextet took the stage looking a bit like ragamuffins, with their untucked shirts, grubby shoes and sheepish grins. But holy damn, those kids had talent! The group included the only female performer of the night and she took the stage in a bright red dress and big stomping boots. As if she had to rely on appearance to be noticed.
Veronique Laberge sang her way through four of the group's five songs with shocking energy. Sitting demurely on a stool in center stage for most of the set, she stood only once to brace herself for an amazing performance of "Look Ma, No Hands" which, she forewarned with a laugh, was a "difficult song." She nailed it. The guys around her at their respective instruments were just as talented, but this girl's strong, charmingly French-accented voice was definitely the scene-stealer.
The group included piano, drums, bass, guitar and trumpet and they played a set of six songs with the apparent effortlessness that is truly the mark of talent. Each piece broke off into solo digressions to allow each musician to display his talent. They were all great. Like the guitar ensemble after them, they could have been performing for any jazz club in the city. Students will be performing at Oscar Peterson throughout the month of April and if Friday night's performances were any indication, they are not to be missed.
For show times, check out oscar.concordia.ca. Tickets are free for students with valid I.D. cards.