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AND ALL THAT JAZZ
by Marilyn Delk |
The title for this column was chosen with some trepidation, as I know that many of you consider jazz to be a genre that you don’t really care for. But, of course, I also know that the music created by the Toledo Jazz Orchestra will please almost anyone who likes music. As in any other musical genre, jazz includes some sounds that are not to my liking, but this “mix of folk, blues, and pop characterized by improvisation, syncopation, and forceful rhythm” is always interesting, usually quite tuneful, sometimes inspiring, and a lot of fun to listen to.
Although jazz famously has its roots in New Orleans, Louisiana, Toledo, Ohio has a deep jazz history, serving as a destination for many Black Americans during the Great Migration beginning around 1910. Due to its status as a port city and its accessibility by rail, Toledo along with Detroit, Chicago, and Cleveland, became a destination for musicians from the South; ragtime and jazz music brought crowds to entertainment venues. During the 1920’s and 1930’s, bootlegging and gang-related activities also migrated to Toledo, but nightlife thrived, with musicians performing in speakeasies to the delight of the public.
In a time of unparalleled economic growth for the city, jazz grew along with Toledo’s population, which has produced some of the most notable names in music history, such as renowned pianist Art Tatum. In addition to producing its own talent, Toledo was a destination for famous out-of-town musicians such as Duke Ellington, Ella Fitzgerald, Count Basie, and Stan Kenton. And if you are a music lover, you undoubtedly have respect for and maybe were a fan of those storied performers who contributed to Toledo’s reputation for presenting and promoting jazz, which lingers yet today.
Credits for members of the Toledo Jazz Orchestra read like a Who’s Who of musicians from all genres. They have played with legends like Stevie Ray Vaughn, Aretha Franklin, Johnny Mathis, Mel Torme, Bobby Vinton, the Buddy Rich Big Band, Count Basie Orchestra, some accompanied Sinatra, Tony Bennett, and Rosemary Clooney (to name a few), while others released successful albums of their own, and/or performed at Carnegie Hall, or taught aspiring musicians at prestigious universities. Many also play with Toledo Symphony Orchestra. And Toledo Jazz Orchestra is led by Artistic Director Alain Trudel, who also serves as Music Director for the Toledo Symphony, which is a quite popular frequent DCCA performer.
If that is not impressive enough, the large ensemble will be joined by award-winning vocalist and composer April Varner; the New York City-based redhead began taking voice lessons at the University of Toledo at age 8, and made her Carnegie Hall debut by age 16. In 2023, she was the winner of the International Ella Fitzgerald Jazz Vocal Competition; now, at age 27 but with the voice of an old soul, April has performed at notable venues like Birdland Jazz Club in New York City, and later this year will be a featured artist alongside some of the most notable figures in jazz such as Kurt Elling and John Pizzarelli at the Jazz For All Ages Festival in Hilton Head, South Carolina. She has just released her debut album, April by April Varner.
Although I do not know the playlist that will be performed at Henry St. Clair Memorial Hall on Saturday, May 10, I do know that it will consist of songs that I will enjoy, including many that I know; I will hear upbeat sounds, interesting rhythms, catchy tunes, good music. You can also enjoy the pleasure of taking in the joy of music performed by people who were born to share their talents with others; to get your tickets for the concert by Toledo Jazz Orchestra, contact DCCA at www.DarkeCountyArts.org, or visit the DCCA office located on the third floor of Greenville Public Library. Tickets are just $40, and will also be available at the Memorial Hall Box Office the night of the show. The concert begins at 7 p.m. For more information, contact DCCA at 937-547-0908.
