The jazz combo performed on stage in Moore Hall. The performers were a mixture of students and faculty. Submitted Photo/Willis Glassgow
By Camille McDougald
UNCP’s Department of Music set the stage of Moore Hall ablaze with the sounds of jazz, marking the debut of the year’s first jazz combo performance. Directed by Dereck Day, Matthew Rybicki, and Dr. Aaron Vandermeer, the event showcased the talents of aspiring musicians in four remarkable jazz combos. The concert was the world premiere of a brand-new composition by the gifted student composer Jaylen Jones.
The auditorium came alive with the vibrant notes of John Coltrane, Horace Silver, Sonny Rollins, Dizzy Gillespie, Thelonious Monk and more. The combos delivered soulful renditions of classic jazz pieces. Each ensemble brought their unique interpretation and flair to the timeless melodies, infusing the audience with an undeniable energy and enthusiasm for the jazz genre.
Jaylen Jones, a rising composer, and tenor saxophonist, was the spotlight of the evening with the world premiere of his original composition ‘Raven Point.’
Jones shared his excitement about this pivotal moment, expressing how distinct and invigorating it was to witness his ideas come to life through the ensemble’s performance. Listening to his idea being played sounded different compared to simply hearing it recorded, he found it satisfying to hear it come to life before him.
Jones invested significant time and effort in crafting this composition, spending weeks refining the original idea that had sprung to life within a couple of hours. “I had the original idea in a couple of hours, but then I kept working on it for a long time for about a week or two, so about a month,” Jones said, emphasizing the dedication and perseverance that went into perfecting his piece.
Reflecting on his performance, Jones revealed his desire to add more dynamism and spontaneity into the piece, expressing an openness to experimentation and improvisation to enhance the overall musical experience. “I would have made it a bit more dynamic and not so written down, played around with it a bit and done some improvisation, but other than that, I think it went pretty well.” Jones said.
Jones emphasized the importance of continually evolving and experimenting in music. Influenced by celebrated artists such as Sonny Stitt and Sonny Rollins, Jones’s journey in music has been a labor of love, and the premiere of his composition is a significant milestone in his artistic growth.
The Department of Music’s first jazz combo performance of the year was undoubtedly a memorable event, serving as a platform to celebrate the rich tapestry of jazz music and the promising talents of budding student musicians. The audience was captivated by the lovely melodies and the world premiere of Jaylen Jones’ composition, signaling the beginning of an exciting musical journey for all involved.