Take a stroll through Slee Hall's spring concert schedule.
In the midst of the organ recitals and orchestral offerings is the third annual UB Jazz Workshop concert featuring composer and drummer, Bobby Previte.
The concert, which took place on Thursday night, marked the end of Previte's three-day residency in the music department.
A large crowd of students and other members of the UB community gathered for the event that, with thanks to the music department, was free of admission.
As the house lights dimmed, a unique drum set consisting of both regular and electric drums sat alone in the center of the stage.
When the music began, it became hard to believe that one man was producing all of the sounds pulsating through the hall. Using a combination of synthesized bass lines, vocals, melodies and loops, Previte created a truly original style of music.
Throughout the first section of the concert, Previte played music that ranged in style from abstract and experimental to rave and jungle.
Initially, it was tough to see how the evening could be labeled a jazz workshop, though its jazz roots shone through after intermission.
Senior communication major Jon Isaacson spoke enthusiastically about the concert.
"I'm glad to see music like this at Slee Hall. It is really unique and a good change from just the classical music that usually goes on here," he said.
When the second section of the concert began, 14 students from the music department joined Previte on stage. The instruments now included a selection of horns, guitars and keyboards.
Though the compositions were undoubtedly jazz, Previte's compositions incorporate elements of bebop, big band and even have a touch of smooth jazz.
His compositions for a full jazz band had some interesting similarities to his songs for solo percussion. Although they are entirely different genres, the mark of the composer was strikingly clear on every piece.
At points, Previte left his drums to conduct the group.
At the end of one song, Previte came to the microphone, knowing exactly what was on the minds of those in the audience, as he rhetorically asked himself a question.
"Will they ever play something slow," he asked. "Probably not."
Saxophonist Matt Thomas, a music performance major, received an especially loud ovation for an extended solo that he performed.
UB is not a random stop for Bobby Previte. Similar to the 14 students that he collaborated with on Thursday night, he too attended UB. He later moved on to New York City in 1979 to pursue a career in music.
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
