Big band modern jazz coming to Brewery

by Sam Bauman

Appeal Entertainment Editor

Once upon a time, famed jazz trumpeter Louis Armstrong was asked to explain jazz.

"If it has to be explained to you, you'll never get it," he replied.

No explanations needed the night of Jan. 18 at the Brewery Arts Center Performance Hall, 511 W. King St. Two bands will demonstrate jazz in the big-band style dating back to the 1940s but as fresh and current as the latest hip-hop.

Playing away happily will be the Mile High Jazz Band, some 15 dedicated musicians who get together (weather permitting) to play big band sounds every month at Comma Coffee on Carson Street. The other band will be the Carson High School Jazz Band, a group of students who also play for the love of it.

It's big-band jazz- times-two when they present their fifth annual joint concert, the "Mile High-Carson High Jazz Extravaganza."

The concert is a benefit for the Carson High Jazz Band's trip to the Lionel Hampton International Jazz Festival in Moscow, Idaho, in February. Band members will play and mingle with other happily serious young musicians at a tribute to the late Hampton, a vibraphone player who starred with Benny Goodman.

"I'm happy that the MHJB has been asked to support the high school jazz band again and help them go to the jazz festival," said David Bugli, MHJB leader and pianist. He also conducts the Carson Symphony when not working for the state.

"The high school musical ensembles are very goal-oriented, and they deserve the community's help and encouragement. Even more, I'm looking forward to another round of intergenerational musical swing!"

The extravaganza, sponsored by the MHJB Association, the Carson High Band Boosters and the Brewery Arts Center, will include both big bands along with svelte vocalist Jakki Ford, combo performances and a grand finale combining the forces of both big bands.

"Some people look on big bands as old stuff from the '50s," said Bugli as he was setting up for the MHJB concert at the Comma on Tuesday night. "Yes, we play some older arrangements, but we're constantly changing things. Our fine soloists give the band a new spark every time.

"You know, jazz really started back in New Orleans when musicians would get together and play some riffs, just basic key changes, largely based on the blues.

From there it developed through such musicians as Art Hickman, largely unknown now, composer Fletcher Henderson, Glenn Miller, the Dorsey brothers, and on through Gil Evens with his work with Miles Davis and then Thad Jones and trombonist Bob Brookmeir.

"It's still developing today, just listen to Maria Schneider, who just won two Grammy nominations. She plays all around the world."

The Carson High Jazz Band, directed by Jarod Sorum this year, attended the Lionel Hampton Festival for the first time four years ago. They also performed at Gov. Kenny Guinn's first inauguration, at the Greenhouse Garden Center music series, "Winter Wine and All That Jazz," and they participate in the Reno Jazz Festival each April.

The band is a zero-hour class at Carson High School, designed to teach students about the music that has affected America in so many ways. Players also are pushed to learn and use improvisation. Placement in the band is determined by audition and director's approval.

Ticket prices for the Mile High-Carson High Jazz Extravaganza are $12 for general admission, $10 for students and seniors, and $5 for children age 12 and younger.

It's not bebop or West Coast swing or any of the other categories of live, improvised music, but straight from the head and the heart. It's just plain jazz as it should be played.

Be there.

• Contact Sam Bauman at sbauman@nevada appeal.com or 881-1236.

IF YOU GO

WHAT: "The Mile High-Carson High Jazz Extravaganza." Two big bands in live concert.

WHERE: The Brewery Arts Center Performance Hall, 511 W. King St.

WHEN: 8 p.m. Jan. 18

TICKETS: Ticket prices for the Mile High-Carson High Jazz Extravaganza are $12 for general admission, $10 for students and seniors, and $5 for children age 12 and younger. Tickets can be purchased at the BAC administrative office, by calling 883-1976, from CHS band members, at www.breweryarts.org and at the door.