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Dirty Dozen Brass Band Cozy Baker, Reporter
Roger Lewis set the tone for the C. G. Conn-sponsored group with his phenomenal sax solos. Efrem Towns’ trumpet solos rocked the hall with his brilliant, vibrant projections. Sammie Williams played long solos that Jamie McLean, a newer member of Dirty Dozen, on semi-acoustic electric guitar, was more than up to the task of playing with the more experienced members. Terence Higgins was at home with any grip as he played snare, hi-hat, toms and bass tenaciously. His cymbal work, crucial to the Dirty Dozen’s urban energy jazz, was a delight. Roger Lewis had already inspired the house with his tenor sax solos. The man can fill a bari-sax in a way that reminds one of Jerry Mulligan. As if Lewis did not have enough talent, late in the evening he showed he could also play haunting flute solos. During “Funky Devil,” the trumpeter, Towns, and others sang vocals. After a round of solos, the front men, two saxes, trumpet, and trombone, marched forward to the edge of the stage to reestablish the funky melody. “It’s All Over Now” sizzled with excellent high-hat licks by Higgins. Towns soared on trumpet, sang lead vocals, and went back to his trumpet work. The gravelly, raspy solos by trombone, trumpet and others were a perfect fit for this combo.
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Trumpet Prelude
(click for review) Eastern New Mexico University TBA............................................................................. Shotsberger Fanfare...................................................................... Spencer
Roger Lewis, Saxophone Program “Unclean Waters” and “Remember When” ............... Kevin Harris “Dead Dog in the Street” and “Old School” .............. Gregory Davis, Joseph, Roger Lewis, Kevin Harris, “Pet the Kat” ............................................... Watanabe, Kevin Lewis “Time,” “Nutballus,” “Reprieve,” “Funky Nuts” ......................................................... Revert Andrews" "Bl a c k b i rd Sp e c i a l” and “My Feet Can’t Fail Me Now”. . Kevin Harris, Ef rem Towns, “Gettin’ in the Cut” ............................................................. Knox “Five Aquariums” and “In the Meantime”................. Julius McKee “Flow On”................................... Gregory Davis, Terrence Higgens “L’Ascenseur”............ Roger Lewis, Gregory Davis, Efrem Towns “Voodoo,” “Santa Cruz” and “Snowball” ...... Dirty Dozen Brass Band “Song for Bobe”................................................. Roger Lewis |
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were well received by an enthusiastic audience. Williams flowed through all the slide positions with high energy. The entire combo performed with vibrant energy.
With an open invitation for anyone to bring a horn and join in, John Faieta, confidently came forward and fit right into the group. Faieta held his own as the group swung through a variety of Dixieland classics Experimenting with many styles, the Dirty Dozen with their traditional “My Feet Can’t Fail Me Now.” The first night of ITG ended on a high note.