What better setting for a concert centred around a nautical theme than under the Blue Whale?
Immerse yourself in a sea of evocative music about life on or near the water.
The CBS Concert Band and Jazz Band perform in the atrium of the Core Science Facility at Memorial University, Saturday, April 13, 2024.
Crooner’s Serenade
The velvety voice of Michael Bublé (1975-) has resurrected three favorite tunes featured in this highly entertaining instrumental medley. This collection begins with Moondance ▶, followed by I’ve Got You Under My Skin ▶ and closes with Save The Last Dance for Me ▶ in a variety of textures and styles.
Caravan
One of the most recognizable of all Duke Ellington (1899-1974) tunes, this distinctive composition combines the styles of Latin and big band jazz. The song appears often in the 2014 film Whiplash as an important plot element.
St. Thomas
“St. Thomas” ▶ is among the most recognizable instrumentals in the repertoire of American jazz tenor saxophonist Sonny Rollins (1930-). Although Rollins is credited as its composer, the tune is based on the traditional English song “The Lincolnshire Poacher” ▶. It evolved into a nursery song in the Virgin Islands, which Rollins’ mother sang to him when he was a child. As such, it has a distinct Caribbean vibe to it.
Jump In The Line
Shake, shake, shake, Senora, shake your body line!
Shake, shake, shake, Senora, shake it all the time!
Most famously recorded in 1961 by legendary singer Harry Belafonte (1927-2023), this ageless calypso hit enjoyed renewed popularity when featured in the 1988 Tim Burton (1958-) comedy horror film “Beetlejuice.” ▶
Frozen
Do you want to build a snowman?
Frozen, the 2013 computer-animated musical fantasy film from Walt Disney Pictures, was inspired by the 1844 Danish fairy tale “The Snow Queen” by Hans Christian Andersen (1805-1875).
Using segments from the soundtrack, including the popular hit songs, here is a dramatic, exciting medley showcasing the most memorable moments from the movie. Includes: Frozen Heart ▶; Do You Want to Build a Snowman? ▶; For the First Time in Forever ▶; Epilogue ▶ and Let It Go ▶.
Come Sail Away
Recorded by the group Styx in 1977 ▶ , this chart opens in a rock ballad style featuring a solo alto sax. The mood then shifts to a driving rock pulse featuring the brass on the powerful strains of the chorus.
The Girl from Ipanema
Tall and tan and young and lovely
The girl from Ipanema goes walking
And when she passes
Each one she passes goes “Aah!”
This laid back Latin favorite was made famous in 1964 ▶ by jazz saxophonist Stan Getz (1927-1991), featuring the vocal debut of Astrud Gilberto (1940-2023). Numerous recordings have been used in films, sometimes as an elevator music cliché. It is believed to be the second-most recorded pop song in history, after “Yesterday” by The Beatles.
Beyond the Sea
Somewhere beyond the sea
Somewhere waiting for me
My lover stands on golden sands
And watches the ships that go sailin’
‘Beyond the Sea‘ is a 1945 contemporary pop romantic love song by Jack Lawrence (1912-2009), with music taken from the song ‘La Mer‘ by Charles Trenet (1913-2001).
Here’s a swingin’ version of this classic, that is reminiscent of the way Bobby Darin (1936-1973) sang it in 1959. ▶
Livin’ La Vida Loca
Ricky Martin‘s (1971-) Livin’ La Vida Loca ▶ shot to #1 with a bullet on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart in 1999. Its driving beat and hot party style made it an anthem of the younger generation, and now this giant hit is ready for jazz band in this hot arrangement!
Pirates of the Caribbean
Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl is a 2003 American fantasy swashbuckler film, the first in the Pirates of the Caribbean film series. The film score was composed by Klaus Badelt (1967-), with Hans Zimmer (1957-) serving as music producer.
Crews of scurvy pirates, cannon blasts and cursed treasure join forces in this medley of themes from the movie.
Into the Storm
For sheer, raw excitement, this work inspired by the 1993 Storm of the Century, the intense system that devastated the eastern coast of North America, is a Robert W. Smith (1958-2023) classic.
Shenandoah
The origin of the name for the Shenandoah River in Virginia is obscure. The origins of the folk song are equally obscure, but all date to the 19th century. Many variants on the melody and text have been handed down through the years with the most popular telling the story of an early settler’s love for a Native American woman.
The composer, Frank Tichelli (1958-), wrote:
“In my setting of Shenandoah I was inspired by the freedom and beauty of the folk melody and by the natural images evoked by the words, especially the image of a river. I was less concerned with the sound of a rolling river than with its life-affirming energy — its timelessness. Sometimes the accompaniment flows quietly under the melody; other times it breathes alongside it. The work’s mood ranges from quiet reflection, through growing optimism, to profound exaltation.”
Cape St. Mary’s
Let Me Fish Off Cape St. Mary’s was written in April, 1945 by Otto Kelland (1904-2004). The nostalgic text, with its abundance of local expressions and images, was penned in an afternoon; the tune followed that evening. So compelling is the paring of words and music in Cape St. Mary’s that the song has entered the listening public’s subconscious to the extent that it has often been taken for an authorless folk song.
This instrumental arrangement is by native Newfoundlander Jim Duff (1941-).
Ordinary Day
Partly inspired by a story from Jann Arden‘s (1962-) busking days, Ordinary Day ▶ was written by Alan Doyle (1969-) and Séan McCann (1967-) of Great Big Sea and released in 1997 from their third album Play. It peaked at No. 3 on the Canadian RPM adult contemporary chart and at No. 30 on the Canadian RPM Top Singles.
In 2023, the song gained new traction as its chorus was used as a goal song for Team Canada at the 2024 World Junior Ice Hockey Championship.
Arranged here for military band by Petty Officer 1st Class R. Blackie.
Nostalgia
Nostalgia, that sentimental recollection of the past, is certainly what we feel, looking back at 60 years of community music with the CBS Band!
This composition by Rossano Galante (1967-) incorporates two melodic themes that combine to build to a climatic resolution with the full ensemble. The music is lyrical, joyous, and ultimately hopeful, taking the listener to a place of harmonic bliss.
Thank you for sharing the celebration with us!
P.S. How many references to water (both subtle and direct) did you find in our musical selections?
MUSIC DIRECTOR AND CONDUCTOR
Jeff Stentaford
CONCERT BAND MUSICIANS
Flutes
Jessica Butler
Sarah Keough
Anne Lambert
Melanie Morgan
Michaela Ryan
Brieanna Smith
Oboes
Sarah Blundon
Elizabeth McNeill
Clarinets
Alica Coulas
Denise Cumbie
Sharon Greenslade
Bonnie Hickey
Erica Peddle
Christina Pretty
Bass Clarinet
Kiley Mackey
Alto Saxophones
Neil Bussey
Catherine Dowden
Ashton Greenland
Nick Howlett
Tenor Saxophones
Greg Bonia
Kira Howlett
Baritone Saxophones
Ronan Freeman
Rebecca McNeill
Donna Meeker
Trumpets
Sabrina Andrews
Pleman Higdon
Allison Martin
John Martin
Leonard Morgan
Mike Ottogalli
Lisa Peddle
Ken Tobin
Trombones
Logan Bragg
Bob Gash
Daniel Hewitt
Terry Howlett
Euphoniums
Melissa Jefford
Melissa Morgan
Tuba
Erin Manuel
Bass Guitar
Andrew McNeill
Percussion
Paul Murphy
Aux Percussion
James Blundon
Timpani
Dianne Haines
JAZZ BAND MUSICIANS
Vocal Soloists
Deirdre Costello
Terry Howlett
Alto Saxophones
Greg Bonia
Nick Howlett
Tenor Saxophones
Ashton Greenland
Kira Howlett
Baritone Saxophone
Donna Meeker
Trumpets
John Martin
Leonard Morgan
Ken Tobin
Trombones
Logan Bragg
Neil Bussey
Bob Gash
Daniel Hewitt
Terry Howlett
Guitars
Joe Earles
Wayne Rice
Piano
Erin Manuel
Bass
Andrew McNeill
Drums
Paul Murphy