Sweet sounds at choral dessert

MOSES LAKE — Sweet treats and sweeter sounds were on the menu at the annual Jazz Dessert Social Tuesday night. The Moses Lake High School jazz choir took to the stage in the annual fundraiser for the MHLS Choral Boosters.

The amount raised was not available at press time.

The jazz choir performed group and solo numbers, classic jazz from around the world, backed by what instructor David Holloway called an excellent rhythm section. The rhythm section provided the perfect interval music, Holloway said, while microphones were being moved and checked.

Jazz, any kind of jazz, classic or otherwise, usually isn’t the first choice of high school students. “I actually didn’t listen to jazz before jazz choir,” said Taylor Yemane. That changed once she started singing it. “It’s a form of music where you can express yourself, in ways words can’t,” she said.

“I can take somebody else’s song and make it my own way,” said Isaiah Zeller. “I think it’s really cool.” LaShae Roylance sings all kinds of music because she comes from a family of MLHS choir veterans. “I love singing it, though,” she said – it’s a lot different from chamber or pop music. “I love it. I love jazz.”

Jacob Law said he hesitated before joining the jazz choir, but his brother and sister – both jazz choir veterans – convinced him to join. They were right. There’s something about jazz, “a certain groove that I enjoy,” Jacob said “It’s real easy to get into and feel the music.”

Jazz dates back to about the turn of the 20th Century, and has been the music of choice of hundreds of great singers and songwriters. Hannah Tufte put an Ella Fitzgerald spin on “How High the Moon,” and Chandler Campbell paid homage to Nina Simone with “Feeling Good.” Aaron Crowell broke out a plaid suit for “Stray Cat Strut.” Claire Phipps went all elegant for “Unforgettable.”

In the best chanteuse tradition, LaShae went into the audience for “Orange-Colored Sky.” Isaiah put a jazz spin the pop song “Titanium.” Tim Bartlett accompanied himself on bass for “Mack the Knife,” and Hunter Kendall added a trombone solo to his performance of “That Old Feeling.” Jazzmine Crawford was accompanied by guitarist Nolan Sloan on “La Vie en Rose.”

Other soloists included Taylor Yamane, Sydney Francis, David Garcia and Shamra Roylance. The rhythm section included Denali Knowels and Tanner Merkley taking turns at the piano, Tim Bartlett and Josh Weisenberg both playing the bass, Luke Mounts on the drums and Nolan Sloan on guitar.

The entire choir opened the show with its tribute to the oldest tradition in jazz, improvisation. The choir also closed the show with a three-song set featuring vocal and instrumental solos.

Cheryl Schweizer can be reached via email at education@columbiabasinherald.com.