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Saturday, June 19 - 8:00 am
Kevin Hupe, Reporter The 2004 Jazz Improvisation Competition finals showcased three talented students of jazz: James Davis from the University of North Texas whose teachers include Keith Johnson and Mike Steinel, Philip Dizack from the Manhattan School of Music taught by Cecil Bridgewater and Gary Dial, and Matthew Holman of Indiana University a student of Joey Tartell and Dominic Spera. These three finalists were required to perform two pieces of their choosing and this year’s assigned piece, Impressions with the excellent 2004 Conference Rhythm Section consisting of Eric Gunnison-piano, Ken Walker-bass and Mike Marlier-drums. James Davis opened the performance with a relaxed, laid-back rendition of Bag’s Groove whose warm sound and bluesy feel was appreciated by the audience. He continued with How Insensitive stating the melody in a simple fashion and providing a solo in soft tones that showed an expressive side of his playing. He finished his part of the performance with the required tune, Impressions and received warm applause from those in attendance. Next up was Philip Dizack from the Manhattan School. He began with an up-tempo Latin version of What is this Thing Called Love? Displayed in his performance was a clear, projecting tone coupled with a free and creative treatment of the melody. The use of wide and dissonant intervals only added to the appeal of his solo. He continued with Freddie Freeloader showing off a nice swing feel and a solo that fit the bluesy style perfectly. Finally on Impressions, Philip played a solo with many growling melodies mixed with faster riffs that showed off his harmonic understanding to nice effect. Last on the competition stage was Matthew Holman from Indiana University. He began with a beautiful rendition of Goodbye Porkpie Hat displaying his full trumpet sound along with nice dynamic contrasts. He continued with Impressions giving a polished performance with clean lines and nice rhythmic variety communicating well with the rhythm section. Matthew concluded his performance with his own original composition, Fleeting Farewell. His melodic treatments were very interesting and his solo demonstrated interesting harmonic choices coupled with intervallic leaps to create a very effective solo in a fluid style. Congratulations to all the finalists of the 2004 ITG Jazz Improvisation Competition and thank you for sharing your talents with us!
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Tom Erdmann, Chair Preliminary Judges Finals Judges Finalists Philip Dizack, Manhattan School of Music Matthew Holman, Indiana University *Each competitor will also perform a selection given to them at their rehearsal.
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