Big Bad Band, Not so Bad

Thursday evening in the Campus Theatre the Fullerton College Music Department presented British trumpet prodigy Bryan Davis with the Big Bad Band, directed by Bruce Babad. The performance opened with 'Big Bad Band' with Michal Ortiz-Luis beginning the song on the vibraphones. Although the band was doing well, their nerves were apparent and some solos were a bit shaky. However, Jordan Ferrin and Stephen Spencer were exceptional, performing impressive solos on the trumpets. Both musicians appeared to have a sense of humor, with laughs and playful instrumental response to one another. Outside of Ferrin and Spencer the only other musician in the band who appeared comfortable was Giacomo Miglio on bass, who consistently looked not only comfortable but also like he was really enjoying the music and atmosphere. Between songs, Babad provided some comedy in the process of introducing Davis, the night's featured artist. After some laughs, Babad moved on to a more serious notes by establishing Davis as a musicians with due accolades; at one point Babad said that he was "killed by his [Davis'] musicality," upon first hearing Davis perform. When the band began the second piece, Take the A-Train, it was apparent that Babad was not exaggerating. Davis played seamlessly with an amazing range on trumpet. As the performance progressed, with bits of humor interjected between pieces, the band progressively played better, and as nerves wore off solos became stronger. This developing proficiency was brilliantly demonstrated first with an upbeat interpretation of Salt Peanuts, composed by Dizzy Gillespie and arranged by Warne Marshin which the band, Davis and Babad all demonstrated great confidence and originality on stage. The percussionists were very energetic and got in to the grove of the song, finally appearing to be enjoying themselves. Throughout the ups and downs of the show, the audience remained engaged and energetic, with applause and vocal praise in response to the end of songs, solos and impressive portions of the songs. As a finale, the whole band pulled together to perform MacArthur Park with great passion and panache. A sax solo from Fernando Penaloza blew the audience away and really stole the show, as did an excellent solo from percussionist Rene Emidih. The audience responded with a standing ovation and cries for an encore. Their requests were granted with and excellent performance of Bill Holman's arrangement of Benny Goodman's 'Bugle Call Rag.'