‘Spring Jazz Explosion’ detonates in Barshinger

To mark the coming of spring, F & M’s Jazz Ensemble performed their “Spring Jazz Explosion” Friday.

 The Jazz Ensemble consisted of twenty players who all love jazz, big band, and swing, including three drum-set players who switched between songs to give every piece a fresh sound. There were also two different kinds of basses: one electric bass and one upright bass. Since the music demanded it, over half the students were brass players: saxophone, trumpet and trombone. This gave every song the best swing feel.

 The band was cool and confident as everyone walked on stage. When the band’s director, Jerry Laboranti, took the stage, he counted off and the band leaped into their first song without any kind of spoken introduction.

 It was not until their first song, “On Green Dolphin Street,” which featured solos from a tenor and an alto saxophone, was over that Laboranti introduced the band.

 The next song, “Call Me Irresponsible,” was a light, slow swing song. To truly capture the depth, it featured Chelsey Craig ’12 on the vibraphone, an instrument somewhat similar to a xylophone. The melody was smooth and captivating.

 After the slow swing, the band picked up the pace with “Bag’s Groove.” Numerous solos filled the song and when giving acknowledgement, even Laboranti had to look at the music to remind him just how many solos there were.

 The fourth song, “Cry Me a River” (not Justin Timberlake’s hit pop song), featured Suzanne Yoder ’11 on clarinet.

 Moving quickly along, the band played the upbeat “Anything Goes” and then “My Romance,” featuring Steven Roy ’11 on the flugelhorn, a brass instrument resembling the trumpet.

 The tempo quickened for “Tangerine” featuring Doug Tammany ’12 on the electric bass.

 The band concluded their show with the 1978 hit “September,” written by Maurice White. 

 “You might recognize our last song,” Laboranti said. “It was made famous by the jazz/rock fusion band, Earth, Wind & Fire.”

 The ensemble left just as they came, silent and confident, leaving the audience satisfied and content with braving the rain outside.

 For more information, contact Debra A. Joseph at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

 Senior Carly Eastern is a staff writer. Her email is This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .