Bringing New Orleans jazz to Norman

By Kate Bergum and Samantha Bechtold

A group of Oklahoma musicians took the stage on the University of Oklahoma’s campus Monday evening for a night of New Orleans style jazz music.

The Boyd Street Brass, a seven-piece band primarily showcasing OU faculty and graduates, played original works and songs from classic jazz musicians at the Sharp Concert Hall in Catlett Music Center.

The band includes Jay Wilkinson, OU’s director of jazz studies, Ryan Sharp, assistant professor of trumpet at the University of Central Oklahoma, Jonathan Nichol, OU’s assistant professor of saxophone, Eric Walschap, Coordinator of Facilities and Technology for the OU School of Music, OU alumni Daryl Nagode and Brian Dailey, and Brian Dobbins, OU’s assistant professor of tuba and euphonium.

At the concert, Wilkinson said that though they might be prestigious musicians, the members of the Boyd Street Brass like to have a good time when they take the stage together.

“Our message is we can be virtuosic and fun,” Wilkinson said.

The band played songs such as Herbie Hancock’s “Chameleon,” Ray Charles’ “Mary Ann” and Michael Jackson’s “Thriller.” They also played original songs, such as “Fire,” a Langston Hughes poem that Wilkinson set to music.

During the performance, members of the audience clapped, cheered for soloists and tapped their feet to the music.

While on stage, Wilkinson encouraged audience participation.

“During the tunes, holler out and cheer for us,” Wilkinson said.

Throughout the show, he encouraged the audience to sing along or to clap to the music. When the band played “Thriller,” a student was invited on stage to narrate part of the song.

At the concert, Wilkinson also announced that the band will be recording its first album this fall.

For more information about the Boyd Street Brass, visit their website.