By Joshua Buckles 05.02.2014

Surrounded by rich, graceful melodies and an abundance of tradition, the Milligan College Jazz Ensemble held their semester concert, “A Tribute to Maynard Ferguson,” on Monday in Seeger Chapel.

 

The concert featured several soloists, including trumpet player Steve Patrick, who was a member of the Maynard Ferguson Band. Patrick has performed on more than 4,000 recordings with various artists such as Carrie Underwood, Celine Dion, Elton John, Kenny Chesney, Garth Brooks and Norah Jones.

 

In Patrick’s introduction on stage, he noted that he normally does not play for a live audience, but instead works behind a microphone in a recording studio for one of the many artists he accompanies.

 

The night also featured Kyle Bothof, an undergraduate student at the University of Tennessee. Milligan soloists included saxophonist Lukas Williams, baritonist Jarod Hensley and trumpeters Nate Andrews and Tyler McElfresh.

 

The ensemble started the concert with a light melodic piece titled “Things Ain’t What They Used to Be.” The piece gradually grew in complexity and juxtaposition, much like the Maynard Ferguson style. The concert also featured a couple of pieces that were not by Ferguson.

 

Patrick’s first stage appearance was during “Afternoon in Paris,” a popular Ferguson piece. The high octave notes of Patrick’s trumpet rang through the auditorium, a signature of Ferguson charts.

 

Other notable pieces Patrick played included “Give It One,” “Chameleon” and “MacArthur Park.”

 

The concert ended with “Birdland,” featuring ensemble conductor Rick Simerly and Patrick in a muted trombone chart. Simerly and Patrick were not available for comment due to prior obligations.

 

The ensemble will host their next concert in November.