Essentially Ellington 2015: Tucson Jazz Institute- COTTON CLUB STOMP

Essentially Ellington 2015 Competition
Tucson Jazz Institute
Saturday, May 9, 2015

Duke Ellington’s music is at the very heart of America’s 20th-century musical heritage and the core of the rich canon of jazz music. Jazz at Lincoln Center, committed to instilling a broader understanding of this music, created the Essentially Ellington program (EE) during the 1995–96 school year to make Ellington’s music accessible to as many high school musicians as possible and to support the development of their schools’ music programs.

[katiestowers]

This is the sister of Ben Stowers, and I wanted to say tank you for everyone’s kind comments about the late Ben Stowers and Aubrey Martin. I hope their lives inspire others to create ripples of music and kindness in this world

[yippeeclawyay]

apparently both the soprano sax player, Aubrey Martin, and the bass sax player, Ben Stowers, sadly passed away in 2018 and 2022 respectively, may they both rest in peace, and damn they were amazing musicians, wish I had a fraction of their skills

[tucsonjazzmusicfoundation]

One of our favorites. Amazing what you can do with a $25 banjo and bass saxophone found at a garage sale!

[DC_]

that has be one of the best soprano solos ive heard in a while. BRAVO!!

[roosterslime]

*Director: Doug Tidaback*
*Solos:*

Soprano Sax: Aubrey Martin (1:56)***
Bass Sax: Ben Stowers (1:56, 3:47)**
Bari Sax: David Lasansky (2:25)**
Trumpet: Miranda Agnew (2:53)**

* = Honorable Mention Award
** = Outstanding Award
***=Ella Fitzgerald Outstanding Soloist Award

***2nd Place in Essentially Ellington Competition***

*Full Awards List*
*Sectional Awards:*
*Outstanding Rhythm Section:* Owais Noorani-Komptekar (Piano), Erik Olson (Banjo), Spencer Delaney (Bass), Nathan Hooker (Drums), JJ Borja (Guitar, Offstage), Levi Post (Bass, Offstage), Dylan Holly (Bass, Offstage), Miranda Agnew (Piano, on Trumpet)**

*Honorable Mention Soloist Award:*
Sergio Tabanico (Tenor Sax)
Ben Stowers (Tenor Sax)

*Outstanding Soloist Award:*
Miranda Agnew (Piano, Trumpet)
Alex Camarillo (Clarinet)
Simeon Roth (Alto Sax)
Aubrey Martin (Soprano Sax, Alto Sax)
David Lasansky (Baritone Sax)
Ben Stowers (Bass Sax)

*Ella Fitzgerald Outstanding Soloist Award:*
Aubrey Martin (Soprano Sax, Alto Sax)

[allanbirmantas]

This is like going back in time and hearing jazz from the 30's as if it were recorded with the latest modern sound equipment! How marvelous. You have the idiom of the period down pat.

[yoseeev]

All 3 solos were magnificent, what a band, jazz on guys and my respects to Aubrey and Ben Rest In Peace fellas🤍

[jacrispy]

Rest In Peace. Aubrey Martin. (Soprano Soloist)

[erickmartinez]

3:28

The upright bass players face when the trumpet cracks his note lol

[JackLanhardt]

I CANT STOP LISTENING TO THE SOPRANO SOLO

[PeteWikleMusic]

I'll never forget sitting there SCREAMING during Aubrey's solo! Miss him and Ben dearly, if you think they sounded great they were even better as friends!

[MartiniMan]

I can't stop watching, listening, and smiling.

[josiah]

Way too many big bands have this contemporary "sheen" to them, usually coming from the rhythm section, but this band has the style DOWN. Rarely am I so transported, but this is one of those videos.

[benstowers]

Always nice to have this video up to see and hear Aubrey again

[johnpargeter]

So good to see young people interested in jazz. Keep it going - you are the hope for the future of this genre.

[zachpnw]

Wow! That's all i can say about this performance. I spent 20 minutes just listening to the solos! Amazing performance all around.

[olivergerbig]

You guys are incredible. Thanks for 4 Minutes dancing and smiling in my livingroom

[MattyLiteLovesJesus]

I just transcribed Aubrey’s solo on soprano. He was such an amazing player dude I really wish I got to meet him. Rest in peace

[Firebrand]

Duke Ellington would smile with approval at the young talent in this great little band.

[agamemnonpadar]

Amazing, what a great ensemble. The joy of the musicians, the camaraderie in the band, the skills of each member, the swing and energy made it a pleasure to watch.