Tag: swing

REVIEW: William Hill III at the Blue Llama

musicalsoup Leave a comment

November 30 | 10:30pm | Blue Llama Jazz Club

 

 

No better place in Ann Arbor to see live jazz than under the magenta-blue lights of the Blue Llama Jazz Club. These dimly lit corners have housed some of today’s most esteemed jazz players since its opening in 2019, featuring all-star players from our own Detroit and beyond.

Tonight’s late-night set featured the spunky William Hill III, a pianist and composer currently based in Manhattan. Hill’s trio included Detroit-based players Dylan Sherman on the bass and drummer Sam Melkonian. I have seen a few of his sets at the Llama now, where he performs standards from the Great American Songbook along with his original tunes. And to celebrate December 1st’s icy debut, he wove in some holiday favorites.

It’s easy to return to Hill’s sets—he is overflowing with creativity and vibrancy in his playing. His improvisational language is deep and complex, with nods to the great Red Garland and Oscar Peterson (favorites of mine). Combined with his technical virtuosity allows for a really interesting exploration of the Songbook tunes we all know and love. He released his debut album “Three’s Company (Live)” this past July, recorded live at Detroit’s historic Cliff Bell’s Jazz Club.

The sound in The Llama is the second best reason to go (the first being the fantastic musicians, obviously), but the space resonates nicely for such an intimate setting and allows for both a beautiful visual and aural experience (at least from the tables along the back wall). A piano trio fills the stage and the sound in the room super nicely.

The very first tune included a tight bass feature from Sherman. He’s got a pliable sound, with light, effervescent improvisational ideas, making his interaction with Hill such fun to encounter. Never underestimate a swingin’ bassist.

I couldn’t catch the name of every tune but a few caught my ear: A striking version of John Coltrane’s “Moments Notice”, the Strayhorn classic “Take the A-Train”, and “Chant” which seems to be an original composition of Mr. Hill’s. He also included a favorite of mine from his record: “Jilly”, a sweet tune, one that captured the audience amidst its meditative waltz-i-ness.

Holiday tunes included: Duke Ellington’s “Sugar Rum Cherry” (a la Tchaicovsky’s Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy); a jaunty and playful “Winter Wonderland”; and a burning “Sleigh Ride” accompanied by Detroit trumpeter Jauron Perry to complete the set.

I expect Will Hill III does well in Manhattan—he’s breaking out in the industry almost as fast as he can swing.

 

 

 

Images thanks @bluellamajazzclub Instagram.

REVIEW: A Night of Swing at UM-Dearborn

vprayag Leave a comment

Earlier this week, the University of Michigan-Dearborn campus came alive with the sounds of brass horns and swing beats, as Swing Dearborn hosted “Dance Night” with its own performances. What I witnessed was a vibrant celebration of dance, led by Swing Dearborn Vice-President Gabriel Fritz and while I did not know what to expect walking in the room, I walked out with my heart filled with appreciation.

The performances were split into four sets, each offering a different flavor of swing dance. The first routine opened with a classic Jitterbug, with Fritz leading the group. From the very first beat, I was being told a story. His movements were crisp and full of energy, and the way he was able to connect both with us, the audience, and his partner, was enthralling. There was a joyful bounce in every step, and the chemistry in the air was palpable. The playful dips and spins were perfectly timed with the music, creating a visual feast that drew me in. The movements were a conversation.

The second set introduced the Lindy Hop, a faster, more intricate dance style. Here, you could really see what Fritz specialized in. His footwork was precise, and his command of rhythm was impeccable. He transitioned from one complex move to another and it all felt very effortless and smooth. His partner mirrored his energy, and together they created a dynamic performance full of bold aerials and impressive lifts. It reminded me of the sheer physicality required for this style of swing, and I found myself in awe of their stamina and grace.

By the third performance, the mood shifted to something slower and more intimate, with a sultry blues number. The fluidity of his movements during the slower tempo was mesmerizing, and it showed me a different side of swing.—one that’s more about connection and subtlety. This performance felt personal, as if I was ”people watching” the dancers as they communicated with each other through their dance.

The final set was a group performance, featuring both experienced dancers and newcomers and although the ensemble was slightly less polished, it added to the charm of Swing Dearborn. It reminded me how swing was about having fun, rather than it being perfect all the time. I was surrounded by laughter, missed steps, and joyful recovery. Watching everyone be so immersed in the moment was beautiful.

After the performances, the audience was invited to join a 15-minute hands-on lesson and joining them is one of the best decisions I made that night. I thoroughly enjoyed the end of it all. Overall, the event showcased not just the technical brilliance of swing dance but also its capacity to connect people and spread joy. Whether you were an experienced dancer or stepping onto the floor for the first time, the energy of the evening was contagious, leaving everyone with a spring in their step.

REVIEW: UM’s Jazz Ensemble puts on a Big Swing Face

camsterdam

University of Michigan’s SMTD Jazz Ensemble

Rackham Auditorium

October 23, 8:00 p.m.

On Thursday, UM’s Jazz Ensemble put on their ‘Big Swing Face’ and transformed the Rackham Auditorium into a nostalgic 1940’s concert hall. The concert showcased mostly contemporary pieces of up-and-coming big band composers, such as Christine Jensen and Alan Ferber, but paid homage to classic favorites like Duke Ellington and Leonard Bernstein.

I was disappointed that of the 22 musicians in the ensemble, zero of them were girls, especially considering that it is not an “all-boys only” group. Nevertheless, the musicians gave an outstanding performance. Each soloist perfectly intertwined their own creativity and soul with the common themes and emotions of each piece, and passed the improv torch between each other effortlessly. Even when there wasn’t a solo, the collective group played with a very colorful energy. The ensemble jumped right into the swing of things with Bill Potts’ “Big Swing Face,” a piece that showed off the ensemble’s brilliant talent from the first measure. Music Director Ellen Rowe had so much trust in her group that she stepped to the side and let the group take full command of the audience.

A highlight of the performance was the Duke Ellington piece, “Day Dream,” which truly painted a picture of love-filled haze in my mind. The ensemble accompanied U of M student Lauren Scales, whose vocal range and singing talents are off the charts! I could close my eyes and pretend that I was in a smoky bar with Ella and Billie serenading me until dusk.

Overall, the concert was fantastic, but that should be expected from the top Jazz Ensemble on campus! Mostly, the audience was made up of parents and other relatives of the musicians. The pep and nostalgic atmosphere is a must for students who have ever suffered from “Midnight in Paris” syndrome and wish that they could time-travel to an earlier decade, and perfect for a free escape from the campus world.  I definitely recommend staying up to date on when their next concert is! You’ll be jumpin’ and jivin’ all night.