The anticipation was palpable in the growing line outside of the Yoshi’s in Jack London Square. When the doors opened at 7:30 people streamed in and took their seats. The night’s entertainment featured the Albany High Jazz Band and Rhythm Bound. At 8:00 the lights dimmed, the jazz band director Craig Bryant introduced the band, and they started their performance. Outstanding solos, including sophomore Tad Nicol’s in “Jeep’s Blues,” punctuated the 7-song set which featured many Duke Ellington songs. The performance ended with, “Little Liza Jane,” which got the crowd to their feet, clapping and singing.
After a quick intermission Rhythm Bound took the stage. Their first song of the night was Rubber Band Man, sung by Parker Menzimer and Annie Chin. Their enthusiastic performance brought people to the dance floor. Annie Chin brought pizzazz to the song “Mercy,” by Duffy.
Midway through the set they brought their bassist, freshman Megan Healy, up to the front to sing Stevie Wonder’s, “I Wish.” Although the singers stole the show, the musicians held everything together. Rather than ending with “Smooth” by Santana, their usual firecracker, they ended with “Proud Mary,” to change things up. All those in attendance, everyone from parents and students to administrators and teachers, left with a smile, and the music still ringing in their ears. We’d give this concert two-and-a-half thumbs up!
- Sarah Fisher, Abby Ridley-Kerr
nice review!
nice job guys!
you did a wondafull job !
tad killed that shiz.