|
Writing Portfolio MAGAZINES SALES MATERIAL & WHITE PAPER DIRECT MAIL NEWS ARTICLES Features News Business Arts & Entertainment NEWS RELEASES Datamark Neutron Interactive American Parkinson’s Disease Association – Utah Chapter ABC Office Office Zone Heavenly Wood General Graphic KELLY’S RESUME CONTACT KELLY |
Publication:The Signpost; Date:February 04, 2005 Section:Arts & Entertainment
Jazz cat swings in the SkyroomBY KELLY BINGHAM The Signpost correspondentOGDEN - The Joe McQueen Quartet entertained all types at the monthly "Jazz In The Skyroom" concert Wednesday night. The combo was led by Joe McQueen, the B.B. King of the saxophone. The 86-year-old jazzman's strong and velvety tones would thrill Lisa Simpson. McQueen organized his jazz combo 60 years ago. "Asking why you still play jazz is like asking why you eat." McQueen said. "It's jazz, you just do it." McQueen's current line up has been together for 20 years. The players are Don Keipp, Weber State University jazz director, on drums; Clayton Furch on piano; and Ben Johnson filling in on bass. Keipp got toes tapping to the rat-a-tat-tat of his spirited drum solos. Furch brought people to their feet with his rendition of Louis Armstrong's "It's a Wonderful World," and Johnson's bass danced under his fingers. McQueen jokes that he came to Ogden just to do a two week gig ---- in 1945. He has been prominent in Utah's jazz scene ever since. In 2002, Gov. Leavitt honored McQueen's contribution to Utah's musical heritage by decreeing April 18 "Joe McQueen Day." McQueen also serves the senior citizen community of Ogden. The audience was diverse, ranging from students looking to fill class requirements to a more mature crowd nostalgic for the hip tunes of their day. The eyes of the older audience members were filled with memories of dances long passed. The students' eyes were filled with their assignments about the show. "I liked the way the players got creative and improvised during their solos," said Briana Frandsen, music student. "Jazz in the Skyroom" was created in 1998 by Caril Jennings, marketing director for the Department of Fine Arts. Jennings organized the free concerts to facilitate the needs of music student that must attend two jazz concerts per semester. "Students were driving all the way down to Salt Lake or having to pay to get into local jazz bars," Jennings said. "This way they are able to fulfill their requirements on campus. |