by Jason Cooper
Staff Writer
Something funky was going down at the University La Verne last weekend, and it was not Halloween. Jarrett Brown and the Blue Vibe brought their jazz styling to Founders Auditorium Saturday for a high-energy performance.
Brown, a 1997 alumnus of ULV, returned to the stage to play with fellow alumni, mentors and friends who composed the band.
The Blue Vibe, which accompanied Brown’s saxophone performance, featured Anthony Fesmire on the guitar; Alex Martinez on bass and vocals; Dr. Reed Gratz, professor of music, on the keyboard; Steve Tashjian on drums and vocals; and Administrative Assistant Steve Biondo on percussion and steel drum.
“He is a lot of fun to perform with,” said Biondo.
The performance began with an upbeat song titled “Silly Putty,” which was written by Stanley Clarke.
Brown was noticeably nervous, but not weak, as he opened the performance. Fesmire was strong on guitar and carried the band throughout the tune.
The tempo slowed as Brown and the Blue Vibe performed David Sanborne’s “Spooky.” Fesmire once again soloed on the guitar, and the soulful sounds of Brown’s saxophone filled the auditorium with music that was met with an explosion of applause in response.
Following the performance of a song written by James Brown, the saxophonist moved on to some of his original work. The lengthy song “J. Funk,” featured Biondo on steel drum. Brown showed he knew his song well as he followed with a solo on the sax. Dr. Gratz followed Brown with his own solo.
“Groovin’,” a much shorter song that followed, was no less short of funk. Brown moved from saxophone to piano and was equally talented with both instruments. Tashjian was also skillful on the drums.
A crowd favorite for the night was the song by Bonnie Raitt titled,”I Can’t Make You Love Me.” It, like many other songs, was met with much applause from the audience. The energy by Martinez on bass seemed to be contagious, as the crowd bobbed and swayed with every song.
“Superstition” by Stevie Wonder was played next, and was followed by a popular swing set composed by Brown. The once-again popular form of music was met with the crowd’s delight and played well by the band with solos by all members.
The performance wrapped up with a high energy, funky version of Jimi Hendrix’s “Little Wing.” Brown proved himself strong in ability by his use of the saxophone.
