Webster University’s Department of Music presented its first jazz concert of the spring with Jazz at Webster: Dave Black with Bridge — a performance by jazz guitarist Dave Black accompanied by the string ensemble Bridge.
The concert was held in the Winifred-Moore Auditorium Jan. 30.
The Bridge ensemble featured Asako Kuboki (violin), Tracey Andreotti (cello), Dave Black (guitar), Syd Rodway (double-bass) and Henry Claude (percussion).
Paul DeMarinis, director of the jazz program at Webster, formally introduced the group.
“I love this group, the mixing of the genres, and the way they blend together as they play their instruments.”
Before performing, Black opened with an explanation of the ensemble’s name.
“The reason the group is called ‘Bridge’ is because we’re trying to break musical styles and make music for everyone to listen to, from bluegrass to world-beat,” said Black.
The group performed jazz classics such as “It Don’t Mean a Thing If It Ain’t Got That Swing,” by Duke Ellington and Irving Mills, “Besame Mucho,” by Consuelo Velazquez, and “Because/ Black Orpheus,” by John Lennon, Paul McCartney & Luiz Bonfa. “Jig Sawed in Half,” a song written by Black himself was also performed.
The group received a standing ovation when they closed the concert with Black’s original song, “Pocket Change.”
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