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Jazz Club: Mike Vax, Trumpet and Flugelhorn John Irish, Reporter Creepin’ with Clark was next, an original by Vax resulting from a recent recording collaboration with Clark Terry. Solos abounded from all members of the group, which served to pick up the pace of the show. An expert round of trading fours closed out this piece with Vax picking up the trumpet to bring it to a fiery close. The night was off to a great start! Chico and the Man, a Latin-flavored tune written by Jose Feliciano for the old television series featured Vax on flugelhorn with a more lyrical The second half was more of a jam session. It opened with a trumpeter and clarinettist soloing on a tune made famous by Miles Trio and featured star were superb all night. Vax is a true professional in every way as evidenced by his rigorous schedule. He flew in from Japan earlier in the day and had an engagement in Sacramento the next afternoon. Vax got stronger as the night progressed and electrified the crowd at every turn. What an exciting way to end a fabulous day in the trumpet world
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approach to soloing. The energy picked up later in the piece with Gillespie playing a wonderfully inventive solo providing the right mix of modern Latin spice. The group gave a sterling rendition of a tune that hasn’t been heard much lately. Bebop and tradition combined for the next work as they performed Charlie Parker’s Scrapple form the Apple based on the chord changes of Honeysuckle Rose. Bebop solos abounded in this up-tempo classic. Vax showed off his prodigious range and ad lib ability. Helsley offered a stunning solo on bass as well. A former student of Vax, Nate Botts, now a student at BYU (and one of the 2001 ITG student jazz solo competition contestants) took the stage to play with his former mentor. They played Ellington’s In a Mellow Tone. Botts showed a true command of harmony, and style in his performance. 
Vax took his turn and soared to new heights. To close out the tune, teacher and student traded solos to the delight of the crowd. The first half finished with a funk tune by Nat Adderly titled Sweet Emma in honor of New Orleans and its great jazz tradition. The tune contained elements of R & B and gospel of which the group incorporated with a solid groove. Vax used a plunger to play perfectly in the style; he later delved into a playing reminiscent of Early Jazz and Louis Armstrong. With a fiery recap of the head, the set ended with vigorous applause.
Davis, Tune-up. No Greater Love was next played with two more trumpeters sitting in. Two young men from Arlington, Texas next took the stage playing Autumn Leaves along with Vax. An ad-libbed three-part counterpoint from the three trumpets ended the tune with a real touch of class. In the spotlight were two more trumpeters playing On Green Dolphin Street. High-energy solos dominated this Latin/Swing tune. Piano, bass, and drums all contributed tasty solo spots as well. Vax was the sole trumpeter for the night’s final selection, Things aren’t What They Used to Be by Mercer Ellington. This blues piece featured a trumpet/plunger solo bringing the house down. The rhythm section further burned up the stage with solos and interplay. With a roaring return to the head, the tune brought the evening to a spirited close.
