Arts, Etc.Music

Chris Williams and company jazz up the Morgan

Paying tribute to Ray Charles, jazz vocalist Chris Williams and friends perform “Hallelujah, I Love Her So” to close the first Sundays at the Morgan event Sept. 7. Williams, who grew up in the Pentecostal faith, had a childhood similar to that of Ray Charles. Williams said he connected with Charles, who “…was kind of a rebel for writing this song because he was not allowed to say Hallelujah outside of church.” / photo by Sonora Hernandez
Paying tribute to Ray Charles, jazz vocalist Chris Williams and friends perform “Hallelujah, I Love Her So” to close the first Sundays at the Morgan event Sept. 7. Williams, who grew up in the Pentecostal faith, had a childhood similar to that of Ray Charles. Williams said he connected with Charles, who “…was kind of a rebel for writing this song because he was not allowed to say Hallelujah outside of church.” / photo by Sonora Hernandez

Cody Luk
Arts Editor

Lively, soulful jazz music captivated a crowded Morgan Auditorium audience at the Chris Williams concert on Sunday.

Chris Williams is an award-winning jazz vocalist and percussionist. He performed along with his friends, ULV Professor of Music Reed Gratz on piano, Jimmy Ford on drums, David Miller on double bass, Courtney Jones on trumpet, Scott Martin on saxophone and Edwin Velasco on saxophone.

The evening started off with upbeat and lively music, which brightened the atmosphere for the audience. The drum solo was also impressive, resulting in audience applause. The rhythms added another dimension to the song, bringing it in another light.

Williams started singing in the second song and encouraged the audience to clap along with him. He initially sang without any music, demonstrating his ability to fill the auditorium with his voice alone.

The performers played many upbeat and lively pieces and they were all smiling and moved along to the music on stage, creating a cheerful environment. They also improvised at parts showing the variety in jazz music.

There was also a drift in mood with songs in slower tones. The musicians performed an emotional piece that was slower in pace. They swung side to side along with the rhythm of the song.

“I like this song because it deals with depression,” Williams said.

Williams and friends also performed several pieces from Williams’ album, “Elizabeth: Songs Based on Pride & Prejudice.” The album was released in 2003 in celebration of the 200th anniversary of “Pride and Prejudice” by Jane Austen and all the songs are Williams’ original compositions.

One of the songs was about Darcy falling in love at first sight with Elizabeth. It was a bittersweet piece because Darcy was fighting against time to show his heart to Elizabeth.

The concert continued with two emotional and moving pieces, with Williams on the piano. They were passionate and evoked the melancholy moments from “Pride and Prejudice.”

The last song was an upbeat and exciting one to wrap up the night. Williams was swinging a towel and jumping on stage, showing his cheerfulness and depicting the piece’s uplifting mood.

“Gosh, it was such an honor and so much fun,” Williams said.

The audience gave the performers a standing ovation, with smiles and applause to show their appreciation and enjoyment of the show. Williams and his friends gave an encore.

The encore was a relaxing piece and it is suitable for a goodbye, Williams said.

“It was pretty well handled,” sophomore biology major Traci Ramirez said. “But I wish they ended with their second to last song because the mood (fits better). I wasn’t expecting the variety so I thought it was very diverse.”

In between songs, Williams also told brief stories about his friends.

Miller is Williams’ best friend who always wears Converse—Chuck Taylor sneakers. Williams wore them during the concert, but coincidentally, Miller did not wear them that day, Williams said, causing laughter from the audience.

Williams said he met Martin at 3 a.m. while in his pajamas” while Williams was looking up soulful Latin music on iTunes. He later found out they had many mutual friends and Martin lived near Williams, and they started performing together soon afterwards.

“(The show) started slow for me, but the end was captivating,” Professor of Humanities Al Clark said. “I like all of his compositions and that he wrote about Pride and Prejudice.”

Cody Luk can be reached at cody.luk@laverne.edu.

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