The Jazz Half

Cincinnati's Jazz Showcase

April 8th, 2008

Venue:  Long Recital Hall, Xavier University
Group:  Eugene Marquis – Alto/Bari/Clarinet
              Jim Anderson – Bass
              Steve Barone – Guitar
              Larry C. Brown – Drums

This event was a planned and successful surprise, as evidenced by John Defoor’s opening (and humorous) comment: “I hate surprises”.  Organized by the Jazz Ensemble’s Manager Sue Brown, the purpose of this Tuesday night event was to recognize and congratulate John on 25 years of teaching and guiding as Director of the Xavier University Jazz Studies Program.  The stage was adorned with John’s past press columns and articles, and numerous pictures from past performances (including pictures of him working with Dizzy Gillespie).   There was even a picture of a young John playing the trumpet while serving in the military.  In the back end of the hall was an arrangement of appetizers, hord’orves, and beverages. 

Although the surprise was for him, John provided a prelude to the show by explaining how the program was started.  This was followed by the Faculty Jazztet’s opening number, “Walking Shoes” – a classic Gerry Mulligan tune.  The Jazztet started out the gate in a steady-paced tempo, led by Eugene on Baritone Sax.  The second number, “Speak Low” contained a swaying melody that gave a slight samba and romantic feel. 

After the second number, several people approached the stage to give a few words on how their relationship with John started, and the impact he had on their collegiate and professional lives.  Eugene began with how he met John as a CCM Grad Student, studying symphonic & classical clarinet, when John suggested he try playing Baritone.  Pianist Irwin Stuckey and XU Alum/Bassist Adam Sanregret offered some words on the impact John has had on their lives, noting that the course of their professional careers would not have taken the direction it had if it weren’t for John.  Irwin and Adam have both filled in with directing the Ensemble in past years.  Of course, Sue Brown shared some stories on when John was asked to play for Sarah Vaughan, working with Dizzy Gillespie, and the partaking of “Symposiums” with fellow musicians.  The kind and sometimes humorous  words were endearing, and gave one (who may not even know John) the instant impression that he is very respected and admired in the community. 

The next number by the Jazztet was “Passion Flower”, a tune written by Billy Strayhorn that Eugene Marquis introduced as having to go back to the early ‘40’s Duke Ellington version to capture the smearing delivery of the Alto as it bends the notes through the melody.  The tune is very smooth and seductive with solos by Eugene on Alto and Steve on Guitar. 

The Jazztet took a short break, except for Guitarist Steve Barone, who opened the next number with a few words thanking and congratulating John for his hard work.  Then dedicated his solo performance of “Beautiful Friendship” to John.  Throughout this song (as well as the other numbers, like the earlier performed “West Coast Blues”), Steve has a very relaxed strumming delivery – very effortless.  It almost seems in contrast to the rich, fluid sound coming through to the audience; a true indication (in my opinion) of mastery. 

The rest of the Jazztet returned in the next song, “One for Amos”, led in by Jim Anderson on Bass, with Steve & Larry subtly joining in.  The Jazztet closed with Thelonious Monk’s “Well You Needn’t”, with Irwin Stuckey setting in on Piano.  The tune was delivered with its traditional intent – upbeat and lively.  A good closing number, and a very nice touch on the evening. 

The Faculty Jazztet rarely gets the chance to rehearse together, but from tonight’s performance, one would never be aware of this.  Each member is not only instructing under the faculty at Xavier University, they are also performing professionally; therefore schedules are tight.  The depth of skill and experience for each one lends to the accomplished style and sound of their live performance.  In short, its like breathing – as seen with Larry C. Brown’s relaxed form, yet busy sound on the drums. 

A word about John:

John DeFoor is one of Cincinnati’s Jazz renaissance men:  He performs, he writes and arranges, he directs, he teaches.  This is all his life’s work that he’s carried for many years in a steadfast, unrelenting nature.  He’s not only focused on his own growth, but passionate about the growth of others.  This is clearly observed in his style of teaching; recognizing the obvious talent in a student musician, but also seeing the potential for that student’s growth with an additional instrument or style of music.  John is humble and selfless.  For 45+ years, his contribution to conveying the American tradition and timeless art of Jazz to younger people is nothing short of enormous.  The love, admiration, and respect of his students and peers are the manifestation of his guidance and hard work.