The Dickinson College Jazz Ensemble performed their engaging “Making Waves” recital this past Friday, November 17. The concert, in which they performed 10 pieces, was held in the Rubendall Recital Hall, and was open to all members of the Carlisle community. 

The concert began with an upbeat and cheerful arrangement of Bobby Hebb’s “Sunny” that immediately engaged audiences and set the mood for the evening, and which featured impressive solos by the Dickinsonian’s own Adam Mast ’25, along with Alex Nancarrow ’27 and alum Evan Bates ’23. Throughout the concert, the Jazz Band’s director Jeff Wohlbach gave short introductions for the pieces they performed. One that stood out was “Just Waiting” by Melba Liston, who ghostwrote the song and was not given the proper credit she deserved at the time in which she was writing. 

Additionally, “Prelude to a Kiss,” one of Duke Ellington’s lesser-known compositions from his South American sweep, and “Connections,” by contemporary composer and educator Patty Darling, stood out. The performance of “Connections” featured local Carlisle musician Doug Cook, who performed with the Glen Miller Band along with director Jeff Wohlbach.  

Towards the end of the performance, Wohlbach stated that only three to four of the members of Dickinson’s jazz band were returning from last year, with some of them having switched instruments. Even so, there was a natural ease in the band’s interactions with each other that was evident to the audience and allowed for an especially entertaining and enjoyable evening. 

The night went out with a bang with a rendition of Stevie Wonder’s “I Wish.” The long piece closed the night with numerous high-enthusiasm solos Overall, the Jazz Band gave an impressive performance that captivated audiences for the duration of the concert. Community members should definitely attend upcoming music performances at Dickinson throughout the rest of the year.