ASU's Latin Jazz Band kicked off its 2008 Jazz Week on Monday evening at the Evelyn Smith Music Theatre.
The Latin Jazz Band is a large ensemble made up of 13 musicians under the direction of Dom Moio, who also performs with the band.
Reflecting Moio's passion for Latin rhythms, the ensemble focuses on both Afro-Cuban and Brazilian beats in its performances.
The band performed toe-tapping Latin tunes at the performance, such as the cha-cha "Mas Blues" and the be-bop "Ir a Cuba."
The cool beats from the percussionists set the tone inside the dimmed auditorium. Trumpets and saxophones scatted along, while the bass, guitar and piano kept the audience members' heads bopping.
Couples and groups of students gathered in the audience to experience the authentic, upbeat rhythms. The music theater, designed to hold 500 people, transformed into an intimate jazz club.
Many of the musicians played more than one instrument. The bass saxophonist doubled as the flautist, the conga drummer could be seen beating on a tambourine, and the conductor took to the drums for one composition.
Jazz Week 2008 also featured the Jazz Repertory Band's performing the great classics on Tuesday evening.
Six-time Grammy nominee vocalist Mark Murphy will be featured on Wednesday with the Jazz Ensembles and on Thursday evening with ASU's Concert Jazz Band.
Reach the reporter at: theresa.bloom@asu.edu.
