Photo By Anastazia Clouting | Alto vocalist Tech. Sgt. Clara Campbell with the United States Air Force's Airmen of...... read more read more
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JOINT BASE ANACOSTIA-BOLLING, Washington, D.C. — The United States Air Force Airmen of Note continued their free Jazz Heritage Series with renowned jazz bassist and artistic director for the Professors of Jazz at Michigan State University, Rodney Whitaker, at the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall in Alexandria, Virginia, on March 9.
Over the last 25 years, Whitaker has been internationally acknowledged as one of the world’s foremost jazz double bass performers. The Detroit native first received recognition for his musicianship with the Terence Blanchard quintet, and has since led jazz masterclasses at universities across the U.S. and abroad. He has also developed a globally-preeminent jazz degree program and performing faculty at Michigan State University.
On stage, Whitaker’s warmth wooed the crowd in between pieces. “This ballad is dedicated to the most beautiful, soulful, and stylish woman in the world – my manager,” he said. “My wife gave me permission to dedicate this song to her. She’s my manager! Of course, I have to say this because she’s standing off stage,” he winked.
Whitaker’s reputation attracted seasoned concertgoers Linda Lippner and Roger Miller. “We come all the time – we really appreciate the Airmen of Note, and feel fortunate to live in the area, so we can attend their concerts,” said Lippner.
Jazz enthusiasts also turned up. Tony Scovazzo’s father had a jazz quartet. “The talent skipped a generation, and my daughter is a musician,” he quipped. “I first came to these events because I had a nephew who was considering the Air Force Academy. Now, I’m on the [distribution] list [and the rest is history].”
Lauren Yu reflected on the concert as the event wrapped up. “It all sounded great – [new jazz vocalist Technical Sgt.] Clara Campbell was particularly mesmerizing,” she said. “I like music that is accessible – it’s toe-tapping jazz!” Campbell regaled the crowd with multiple hits, including “Squeeze Me,” by D.C. native Duke Ellington.
The next Jazz Heritage Series concert will feature famed American trumpet player Jon Faddis at 7:30 p.m. on April 6 at the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall. The concert is free and open to the public.
| Date Taken: | 03.09.2023 |
| Date Posted: | 03.20.2023 12:26 |
| Story ID: | 440517 |
| Location: | ALEXANDRIA , VA, US |
| Web Views: | 57 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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