Friday, February 13, 1998
ove
MUSIC: A lot of people do, as UCLA’s jazz studies department
affirms in a Valentine’s Day tribute to music legend Quincy
Jones
By Laura Noguera
Daily Bruin Contributor
Hearing your love’s heartbeat on St. Valentine’s Day almost
compares to spending it with the man who has influenced music beats
for the last 50 years. Luckily, couples will not have to decide
between one or the other. This year they can have a little of both
– legend and romance.
On Saturday, the UCLA jazz studies program presents "A Tribute
to Quincy Jones," a benefit concert featuring Jones himself, at the
Veterans Wadsworth Theater.
"Out of all the producers that are out now, he is the oldest,
the greatest, and he’s been in this business the longest," says
Susan Pierson, a senior jazz studies performer who will sing in the
concert.
Jones has been called a legend by many, and everyone has heard
at least one piece of his work. They are sure to recognize one
film, television program or stage production soundtrack produced by
Jones. He is the winner of 26 Grammy awards and produced the No. 1
selling single, "We are the World," and Michael Jackson’s
"Thriller" album.
"I think he’s changed the face of music forever, and I think
it’s amazing that he is actually here tonight," says Chris
Bartholomew, a UCLA music composition major. "The guy is a
monster."
Jones, the UCLA Jazz Faculty Ensemble, UCLA’s No. 1 Big Band and
No. 1 Jazz Combo will all appear in the performance. Last year,
Herbie Hancock headlined a similar concert. Both Jones and Hancock
are renowned jazz artists, but because the jazz studies program is
now more developed, this year’s concert has more hype.
"It looks like there is more involvement," Pierson says. "I
think just because it’s Quincy, everything is going to be on
another level."
The program includes some of Jones’ signature pieces such as "In
the Heat of the Night." The audience will also hear some of Jones’
compositions that are not as well-known.
"It’s going to be a good balance between the rare and the
popular," says Kenny Burrell, director of the UCLA jazz studies
program. "And besides Quincy Jones’ music, there will be other
music tailor-made for the evening with the thought in mind that
it’s a tribute to Quincy."
Back from Jones’ past is singer Tata Vega, whose voice can be
heard on "The Color Purple" soundtrack. She will also perform
Saturday night, alongside the many jazz artists who have
contributed to developing the Tribute’s program.
"It’s a collective decision," Burrell says. "I think it’s
richer. That way we all kind of contribute ideas to it."
As well as paying tribute, the concert contributes to the
Valentine’s Day theme. Concert goers can expect to hear romantic
jazz.
"There’s going to be some beautiful ballads and of course we are
going to play ‘My Funny Valentine,’" Burrell says. "It would be a
nice thing to come and bring your date."
Another one of the more mellow-sounding pieces in comparison to
the faster and louder songs of the show may be "The Midnight Sun,"
featuring Burrell on guitar. During this piece, Jones leads the
band while Burrell grooves, adding improvisations smoothly and
effortlessly. Their ease results from prior collaboration on many
albums and shows.
"He’s a wonderful musician, a great musician. I’m certainly
aware of that when I’m performing with him," Burrell says. "But
because I’ve known him for so long, I feel very comfortable with
him."
Jones and Burrell share something special as they play. The two
have more than just a musical relationship. As friends, they have
an extensive history. The concert is possible partly due to Jones
and Burrell’s close relationship.
"It’s for a dear old friend of mine," Jones says. "I used to go
see Kenny Burrell when my father used to take me to see him."
The concert showcases and benefits UCLA’s jazz studies program,
which began two years ago. Since its early stages, Jones has
supported and contributed to the program’s development.
"It’s great to see UCLA kids in great hands, when they’ve got
somebody who knows what’s happening," Jones says of Burrell.
"There’s not too many left you know, to really pass this thing on.
This is not about drum machines and sequences, it’s about serious
music."
MUSIC: "A Tribute to Quincy Jones" benefit concert will be at
the Veterans Wadsworth Theater on Saturday. Tickets are $25, $10
for students. For more information, call (310) 825-2101.
Photos by INGA DOROSZ
Quincy Jones directs singer Tata Vega during a rehearsal for the
upcoming jazz concert.
Nick Mitchell plays the french horn during a session with jazz
legend Quincy Jones.