House of Jazz, Blues
Fifth year of concert showcases history of African contributions to American music
Arts -- March 30, 2006
by Adrianna Jones, staff writer
This past Monday, March 27th PCC students and the Pasadena Community
enjoyed the African percussion in Blues and Jazz performed by the Ebonic
Blues orchestra and Najite Aginbotan, in their 14th performance in the
Harbeson Hall here at PCC.
The African History of African American Secular Music is a production that
has been going on here at PCC for over five years. Professor Pete Mhunzi of
the department of History and Music presents the production once a
semester. Professor Mhunzi plays the guitar is the vocalist and also acts
as M.C. during the concert.
"My friends and I enjoy the professor, every year he brings a relaxed tone
to the concert and adds a little something to the viewing pleasure." Said
Debra Thompson resident of Pasadena.
The Ebonic Blues orchestra consists of 13 members-all male. The orchestra
had two new members who played for the first time with the group that
night, they were Garnet Brown on Trombone and Ben Clatworthy who is from
England on tenor saxophone. The band played songs named "After Hours",
"Georgia", "I Got A Woman", and "Stormy Monday".
"I really feel the soulfulness in the music," Said Amanda Ortiz a student
here at PCC. The concert is held once a semester, money is given towards
the production by PCC. When asked how the group originated, Professor
Mhunzi said "he and some of the group members were at his sisters house for
his brothers party and they were sitting around trying to figure out how to
present Jazz and Blues to the community and students and it grew from
there."
"Professor Mhunzi puts a lot of heart and dedication into his teachings and
his grasp on keeping students aware of the African American culture and
music," said Carolyn Biggs.
Najite Aginbotan from Yorubaland, Western Nigeria, had a special
presentation during the concert. "Najite is an outstanding percussionist,
who adapted traditional drumming to Blues and Jazz," said Biggs. Before his
performance he gave a lecture on the history of the African Drum. Najite
Agnibotan and his ensemble played songs "Norwegian Eyes," "Arts
Revelation," and "Omolere". Special guest Giavanni, a percussionist
performed with Najite during the concert.
"The concert is held to add art and tradition to the community. It's here
to teach a lesson making students as well as Pasadena residents aware of
the history of African Music and its relationship with Blues and Jazz," said Darryl Culvert a Los Angeles Resident who has come to the concerts for
the past two years.
The concert adds style and grace to a lesson on the art of African American
Blues and Jazz, keeping everyone in the audience grooving to the beat and
wanting more. "I can not wait to see what awaits for the concert next
semester." Said Cecelia Jones a resident of Pasadena.
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