MIT Honors Late Band Leader Herb Pomeroy At Moving Memorial Concert
by Susan Saccoccia
The MIT 2013 Alumni Band (photo courtesy of MIT)
Revered jazz trumpeter, band leader and educator Herb Pomeroy once urged an audience to toss out their CDs and instead, go out and “see live jazz.”
Pomeroy made the remark in 2005 while taking part in a panel at the Berklee School of Music, where he taught for 41 years. After retiring from Berklee, he joined the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and from 1963 to 1985 he directed its band and developed its formal jazz program.
So it is fitting that MIT commemorates Pomeroy, who died in 2007, with an annual concert. This year’s three-hour event celebrated both the man and the five decades of jazz he set in motion at MIT.
In the ‘50s, students formed the MIT Jazz Society and began airing jazz shows on the campus radio station (now WMBR-FM). Pomeroy arrived and transformed MIT’s long-standing big band, the Techtonians, into a sophisticated jazz ensemble that in 1970 became one of the first college bands to perform at the Montreux Jazz Festival.
Held Saturday night at MIT’s Kresge Auditorium, the 50th Anniversary Gala and 6th Annual Herb Pomeroy Memorial Concert featured the MIT Festival Jazz Ensemble, conducted by Frederick Harris Jr., MIT’s director of wind and jazz ensembles. The event also capped a week of panels, lectures and performances celebrating 50 Years of Jazz at MIT.
Fronted by red bandstands emblazoned with Herb Pomeroy’s initials in white, the ensemble included 14 brass players and a six-member rhythm section. The power and verve of big-band jazz as well as its continuous evolution was on display. Selections looked back and forward, spanning swing, bebop and contemporary veins of jazz.
The concert presented three world premieres. The first was a striking composition by pianist Peter Godart (’15) entitled “Pairity.” After a reflective piano solo, the entire band joined in, repeating Godart’s long, low phrasing and adding sinuous sax solos. The music then took a funky turn with a chugging rock rhythm and horn chops that evoked the jazz fusion group Return to Forever, led by pianist Chick Corea.
The winner of 20 Grammy Awards, Corea appeared in a documentary about jazz at MIT, shown during the concert. In the film, Corea coaches the students as they rehearse “From Forever (Suite for Big Band),” another of the program’s world premieres. Corea composed the brassy, high-energy piece for the band and dedicated it to Pomeroy, who gave him his first gig.
Renowned jazz pianist Steve Kuhn offered a solo tribute to Pomeroy. He told the audience that he first met Pomeroy at age 13 and regarded him as a mentor and “big brother.” Kuhn segued seamlessly between two of his own compositions, “Trance” and “Oceans in the Sky,” casting a spell as he moved through rippling dark chords and melodic refrains.
Hosted by Fred Harris, the evening had the feeling of a reunion. He called current and former leaders of MIT’s varied jazz programs to the stage and greeted each man with a warm hug. They included Pomeroy’s chosen successor as director, the composer and keyboardist Jamshied Sharifi, a graduate of both MIT and Berklee; and James O’Dell, band’s third director, now head of the Music Division at Boston Conservatory.
Harris spoke of “the three pillars” of jazz at MIT: Pomeroy, Everett Longstreth and Rev. Mark Harvey. Each has brought MIT a depth of relationships throughout the jazz world and within the Boston jazz community. Under their successive leadership, MIT’s jazz programs have drawn a Who’s Who roster of musicians as artists in residence and faculty.
The concert demonstrated the variety, reach and longevity of MIT’s jazz activities as well as Pomeroy’s influence.
Performers included the MIT Chamber Music Society Jazz Combo, a refined sextet coached by bassist Keala Kaumeheiwa through MIT’s Affiliated Artist program.
Singing with warmth and a cappella precision, the 10-member MIT Vocal Jazz Ensemble rendered two Jerome Kern standards arranged by their founding director, MIT Institute Professor John Harbison — a renowned composer of symphonies, operas and large choral works. Before sharing the stage with the 31-member 2013 Alumni Band for a grand finale, the Festival Jazz Ensemble performed the evening’s third world premiere, “In Search of the Master.” Written by an Alumni Band trombonist, Richard Orr (’62), the swinging, flugelhorn-led composition celebrates Pomeroy’s arrival at MIT.
“Herb Pomeroy was a beautiful flugelhorn player,” Harris said after the concert. “So that was a double hats off to him.”
(Go HERE to see this review on the Bay State Banner Website.)
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MILL CITY REVIVAL BAND
Friday, May 20 at 7 pm
Berlin-Are you ready to Rock and Roll? Come out to enjoy the Mill City Revival Band performing songs and music of the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s at St. Kieran Community Center for the Arts on Friday, May 20 at 7 pm. Tickets are $12 adults, $6 for students and are available at the door.
The Mill City Revival Band began performing songs from the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s because they felt that there was a void in bands who were keeping the music of those decades alive—and they still all enjoy getting together and sharing the music with others. They always select a wide range of songs and styles that showcase the multi-talents of the band members, especially songs that feature the Horn Section. The band’s home base is Lowell Massachusetts, which has long been known as the “Mill City”.
Carl Antifonario, a professional woodwind specialist who has toured with the United States Air Force Southern Command Band, formed the Mill City Revival Band four years ago with a great nucleus of experienced musicians and then added some great young horn players from the Berkley College School of Music. Utilizing horns as well as great vocals make this band stand out from the many oldies bands throughout New England. Combined with great showmanship and their fun way of interacting with audiences young and old, Mill City Revival Band brings a party atmosphere to the house, wherever they go.
The band boasts some of the best musicians and entertainers from the New England area including lead singer, Michael Anthony has been fronting bands for 20 years and has toured the New England area with his Neil Diamond Tribute Show.
Henry Ricard, Drummer and Singer, is a show by himself, who when performing, will sing lead, stand up and play drums all at the same time. Lead Guitar & Singer, Jimmy Merrick, better known as Mr. Rock and Roll has been playing the entire East Coast (Including Nashville) as well as Montreal, Canada singing lead and fronting Rock and Roll shows with his dancing guitar since 1968. Dick Lavallee, Keyboard and Backup Vocal, has been touring the New England area for 35 years as a multi-talented keyboard player as well as song stylist. Paul Orendorf, Bass and Alternate Drums, is an accomplished drummer and electric bass player, who has been playing with more contemporary style bands and has transitioned to Mill City with ease. Also, performing is Kyle Lambert on Trumpet and Fleugal Horn and Singer-Dancer-Trombonist, Molly Rose.
“When we booked Mill City Revival last fall, we hoped that the Gorham Mill would be fully operational by this time, but we are very glad to know that things are in place for a successful sale and hope it will happen soon. In the meantime, let s get together and celebrate the good old days-- “One Mill City to Another”, states Joan Chamberlain, Executive Director
This program is made possible through the sponsorship of Cooper, Cargill, Chant and Public Service of NH, with support of the NH State Council on the Arts, National Endowment for the Arts, and the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation/North Country’s Art Ventures Fund, an Anonymous Fund, Libby Family Fund, North Country Region Community Fund and the Stanton and Elizabeth Davis Fund.
Upcoming performances in the 2011 Series include Tim Sample on Thursday, June 9 and Lennie Gallant, top Franco-Acadian performer on Monday, June 20 at 7 pm, and Susan Ferre, Master Organist on Thursday, July 7 at 7 pm.
For a complete list of 2011 events, contact the Arts Center at 752-1028, 155 Emery Street or visit www.stkieranarts.org or Facebook.com/St. Kieran Community Center for the Arts.
The Mill City Revival Band began performing songs from the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s because they felt that there was a void in bands who were keeping the music of those decades alive—and they still all enjoy getting together and sharing the music with others. They always select a wide range of songs and styles that showcase the multi-talents of the band members, especially songs that feature the Horn Section. The band’s home base is Lowell Massachusetts, which has long been known as the “Mill City”.
Carl Antifonario, a professional woodwind specialist who has toured with the United States Air Force Southern Command Band, formed the Mill City Revival Band four years ago with a great nucleus of experienced musicians and then added some great young horn players from the Berkley College School of Music. Utilizing horns as well as great vocals make this band stand out from the many oldies bands throughout New England. Combined with great showmanship and their fun way of interacting with audiences young and old, Mill City Revival Band brings a party atmosphere to the house, wherever they go.
The band boasts some of the best musicians and entertainers from the New England area including lead singer, Michael Anthony has been fronting bands for 20 years and has toured the New England area with his Neil Diamond Tribute Show.
Henry Ricard, Drummer and Singer, is a show by himself, who when performing, will sing lead, stand up and play drums all at the same time. Lead Guitar & Singer, Jimmy Merrick, better known as Mr. Rock and Roll has been playing the entire East Coast (Including Nashville) as well as Montreal, Canada singing lead and fronting Rock and Roll shows with his dancing guitar since 1968. Dick Lavallee, Keyboard and Backup Vocal, has been touring the New England area for 35 years as a multi-talented keyboard player as well as song stylist. Paul Orendorf, Bass and Alternate Drums, is an accomplished drummer and electric bass player, who has been playing with more contemporary style bands and has transitioned to Mill City with ease. Also, performing is Kyle Lambert on Trumpet and Fleugal Horn and Singer-Dancer-Trombonist, Molly Rose.
“When we booked Mill City Revival last fall, we hoped that the Gorham Mill would be fully operational by this time, but we are very glad to know that things are in place for a successful sale and hope it will happen soon. In the meantime, let s get together and celebrate the good old days-- “One Mill City to Another”, states Joan Chamberlain, Executive Director
This program is made possible through the sponsorship of Cooper, Cargill, Chant and Public Service of NH, with support of the NH State Council on the Arts, National Endowment for the Arts, and the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation/North Country’s Art Ventures Fund, an Anonymous Fund, Libby Family Fund, North Country Region Community Fund and the Stanton and Elizabeth Davis Fund.
Upcoming performances in the 2011 Series include Tim Sample on Thursday, June 9 and Lennie Gallant, top Franco-Acadian performer on Monday, June 20 at 7 pm, and Susan Ferre, Master Organist on Thursday, July 7 at 7 pm.
For a complete list of 2011 events, contact the Arts Center at 752-1028, 155 Emery Street or visit www.stkieranarts.org or Facebook.com/St. Kieran Community Center for the Arts.
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Monument Music
April 30th, 2011
7:30PM
Monument Music Prepares for Annual Fundraiser
The Monument Music Concert Series concludes the 2010-2011 season with the return of Swampscott resident Professor Jackson Schultz with his ten piece jazz ensemble from the Berklee College of Music, Saturday evening, April 30th, 2011. This concert, first performed in May of 1998, was the catalyst which launched the Monument Music series and has become its one and only annual fundraiser. The musicians and others involved are donating their time and talents so that all proceeds generated from this concert will be used to help fund future events. The Saturday evening concert begins at 7:30 p.m. at the Church of the Holy Name, 60 Monument Avenue, Swampscott, Massachusetts.
Schultz, the founder of the Monument Music Concert series, who marks his 33ed year of teaching in the Jazz Composition Department at the Berklee College of Music, leads this Jazz Band, the “Chord Scale Madness Ensemble”, every spring semester. The music chosen for performance is generated out of a competition of student composers and arrangers. The young student writers, having passed a screening process, are offered the opportunity to work with Schultz to edit and to fine tune their music for performance. From that group of writers, Schultz selects certain pieces to be performed by this band in their spring Berklee Performance Center Concert. Following that show, this “little big band” comes to Swampscott to perform a diverse program of jazz arrangements, including some of Schultz’s original compositions. Featured in this year’s concert is Schultz’s composition “Stellwagon”.
As in the past, concertgoers will hear musicians from various parts of the U.S.A. and from around the world. This year’s band is no exception featuring two players from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Zac Zinger on alto and soprano saxophone and Aaron Gratzmiller on tenor sax. The West Coast is represented by Akhil Gopal on trumpet from Los Altos, California. Closer to home we have Molly Rose on trombone from Hollis, New Hampshire who along with Carlos Ayala from Carolina, Puerto Rico on baritone saxophone, performed in last years concert. The rest of the band is international featuring Mao Sone from Nagareyama Chiba, Japan on trumpet, John Lee from Seoul, Korea on piano as well as Heechan Cha from Busan, Korea on guitar. Playing the bass is Yaman Akdogan from Izmir, Turkey and completing the rhythem section is Alessandro Lombardo from Milan, Italy on drums.
This is a popular show so come early to guarantee yourself a seat. Monument Music is very kid friendly and we encourage families to attend. It is a wonderful opportunity to expose children to the music. There will be a minimum $5 donation at the door for adults, children 12 and under are free. Refreshments and the opportunity to meet Schultz and the band will follow the hour-long event. For more information, call 781-771-3286 or visit the church website at www.churchoftheholyname.com. Monument Music is partially funded by the Local Cultural Councils in the towns of Swampscott and Lynn.
If you wish to support the Monument Music Concert Series, please feel free to donate here:
Concert Series | Fundraise.com
The Monument Music Concert Series concludes the 2010-2011 season with the return of Swampscott resident Professor Jackson Schultz with his ten piece jazz ensemble from the Berklee College of Music, Saturday evening, April 30th, 2011. This concert, first performed in May of 1998, was the catalyst which launched the Monument Music series and has become its one and only annual fundraiser. The musicians and others involved are donating their time and talents so that all proceeds generated from this concert will be used to help fund future events. The Saturday evening concert begins at 7:30 p.m. at the Church of the Holy Name, 60 Monument Avenue, Swampscott, Massachusetts.
Schultz, the founder of the Monument Music Concert series, who marks his 33ed year of teaching in the Jazz Composition Department at the Berklee College of Music, leads this Jazz Band, the “Chord Scale Madness Ensemble”, every spring semester. The music chosen for performance is generated out of a competition of student composers and arrangers. The young student writers, having passed a screening process, are offered the opportunity to work with Schultz to edit and to fine tune their music for performance. From that group of writers, Schultz selects certain pieces to be performed by this band in their spring Berklee Performance Center Concert. Following that show, this “little big band” comes to Swampscott to perform a diverse program of jazz arrangements, including some of Schultz’s original compositions. Featured in this year’s concert is Schultz’s composition “Stellwagon”.
As in the past, concertgoers will hear musicians from various parts of the U.S.A. and from around the world. This year’s band is no exception featuring two players from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Zac Zinger on alto and soprano saxophone and Aaron Gratzmiller on tenor sax. The West Coast is represented by Akhil Gopal on trumpet from Los Altos, California. Closer to home we have Molly Rose on trombone from Hollis, New Hampshire who along with Carlos Ayala from Carolina, Puerto Rico on baritone saxophone, performed in last years concert. The rest of the band is international featuring Mao Sone from Nagareyama Chiba, Japan on trumpet, John Lee from Seoul, Korea on piano as well as Heechan Cha from Busan, Korea on guitar. Playing the bass is Yaman Akdogan from Izmir, Turkey and completing the rhythem section is Alessandro Lombardo from Milan, Italy on drums.
This is a popular show so come early to guarantee yourself a seat. Monument Music is very kid friendly and we encourage families to attend. It is a wonderful opportunity to expose children to the music. There will be a minimum $5 donation at the door for adults, children 12 and under are free. Refreshments and the opportunity to meet Schultz and the band will follow the hour-long event. For more information, call 781-771-3286 or visit the church website at www.churchoftheholyname.com. Monument Music is partially funded by the Local Cultural Councils in the towns of Swampscott and Lynn.
If you wish to support the Monument Music Concert Series, please feel free to donate here:
Concert Series | Fundraise.com