|
Jazz band electrifies audience in Quarry
Storm forces UPB's "Live on the Mall" concert inside, but fails to dampen crowd's spirits.
"Music is a great equalizer. It's a spiritual thing," said jazz musician Mark Yannie, after playing a midday concert in the Atwood Quarry yesterday.
The performance was an hour-and-a-half-long concert of fun and complex jazz music for all in the Atwood Quarry to enjoy. Originally scheduled to take place in the Atwood Mall, the unfortunate, unexpected rainstorm that St. Cloud experienced made room for immediate relocation. The turnout was especially opportune, because all those who expected not to hear jazz during their midday Pizza Hut or Burger King break were delighted with music. All those intentionally attending the event enjoyed an exultant musical experience indoors that contradicted the dismal weather outside.
As a Florida native, Mark Yannie skipped around the state of Florida as a musician, living in various cities, with his sole purpose and drive for life being music. Having learned the clarinet at age seven, the saxophone at 17 and the flute at 19, he's been passionate about music ever since he can remember.
However, Yannie has long since left the Florida music scene. Having lived there most of his life, he was due for a change. With a degree in library science, and a masters degree in music, he is a part-time musician, and a full-time librarian here at St. Cloud State University.
"I'm married now, with a major league, full-time job, and two kids," Yannie said.
But the wondrous jazz music out of which Yannie once made a living is nevertheless an ongoing legacy; his CD single-handedly tells that story. Entitled The You In Me, this self-released, seven-track jazzy gem is sure to please many crowds. The disc even comes with liner notes that have bible scriptures that correspond with each song's individual mood and nature.
The You In Me was recorded with Floridian associate Ed Metz, who plays drums, Richard Drexler on piano and bass, Mike Boccicchio on bass, Per Danielsson on piano, J.B. Scott on trumpet and Rich Walker on guitar.
Those that played this particular performance, unlike the CD, are all from Minnesota. With Mark Asche on piano, Jocko McNeely on bass and Dave Stanoch on drums, the foursome met while playing a jam session at the Radisson here in downtown St. Cloud. The Minneapolis-based men and Yannie enjoy playing together, and have obvious chemistry as a group.
However, the guys do not know when the next show will be. As mentioned previously, Yannie is a father, a husband and a full-time librarian, and does not know when the next performance will be.
"(Today) is a casual jazz gig," Yannie said. "Everyone else (in the band) does it for a living, except me."
The rest of the guys are always looking for work in the music scene, especially as jazz musicians. It is something about which the entire group is quite passionate.
"That was my ambition: to be a jazz musician," said bassist Jocko McNeely.
However, many will agree that it is sometimes hard to find work, especially with a dwindling music scene around smaller areas such as St. Cloud.
McNeely agrees.
"Weddings. That's where the money is."
|
|
|
|
|
|
