Sunday, May 12th, 2024 was a joyous afternoon at SOhO, where the Jazz Society was treated to a special Mother’s Day concert by SBCC’s Monday Madness Jazz Orchestra! Bandleader and saxophonist Andrew Martinez introduced a variety of songs from the jazz repertoire that gave a nod to mothers, such as “Her Royal Highness” and Sammy Nestico’s “Queen Bee”. Martinez also included favorite tunes in honor of his late mother, such as Frank Sinatra’s swinging version of “Come Fly with Me”, sung by local favorite Kevin Winard. Winard is frequently seen at the Jazz Society behind the drum kit- position taken this afternoon by the impressive Dick Weller- but we were fortunate to have him serenade us with several vocal numbers. Other notable features included solos by members of the horn section, such as trombonist Bruce Wagner and saxophonist Justin Claveria. The variety was exciting, from the Great American Songbook to uptempo “Rhythm Changes” and hip tunes like Wayne Shorter’s “Speak No Evil”. Of course, no big band concert would be complete without the ultimate Count Basie classic “April in Paris”, which Monday Madness swung sweetly! What a nice way to spend a Sunday afternoon- filled with all styles of jazz performed by a top-notch big band, and honoring the mothers we appreciate. Thank you Monday Madness!
Photos by Rob Hoffman
Monday Madness May 2024
