OCC Bands and Menza: A Class Act

As band director Charles “Doc” Rutherford noted from the stage of the Robert B. Moore Theatre on Sunday, his Orange Coast College orchestras have been playing the music of saxophonist-composer Don Menza for 20 years.

So it was fitting that Menza himself joined Rutherford’s Jazz Pacific Orchestra during its segment of the college’s big-band concert, an event that became a showcase for both Menza’s playing and writing skills.

Menza, the veteran who’s worked with the big bands of Maynard Ferguson, Stan Kenton, Buddy Rich and Louie Bellson over the last 30 years, took the opportunity to premiere four new numbers with the JPO. The group served him commendably, its sterling play a good notch above what one generally expects from a college band.

That statement applies equally to Rutherford’s other two ensembles that were on the bill: the Monday Band and the Friday Band (signifying the days these groups of students and musicians from in and around the community come together to rehearse). The concert seemed much shorter than its three hours as one high point followed another.

The highest was Menza’s opening appearance. Joined by trumpeter Ron Stout and trombonist Regan Whitaker in the front line, Menza displayed a rich orchestral sense that he said was inspired by Claude Thornhill, as well as sax play that looked to such seemingly contradictory inspirations as Stan Getz and John Coltrane.

The Coltrane influence showed during the up-tempo numbers, namely “Broad Bottom” and “T ‘N’ T,” as Menza rifled through his solos with stirring speed and lyricism in a tone that was as full-bodied as a darkly roasted coffee.

His play on the ballads “Weird Summer” and “The Place” was cooler and more airy, recalling the late Getz’s laid-back style. “Weird Summer” heated up as Menza played a long, uninterrupted line--through the use of circular breathing--which built in feeling and volume as it progressed.

Menza credited Getz and trombonist Bob Brookmeyer with inspiring the orchestral mix of “Broad Bottom” and its blend of tenor and trombone.

All four numbers were orchestral marvels as Menza created a crayon box’s worth of color with blends of flute and trombones, or mixing the sound of saxes, muted trombones and muted trumpets.

Stout also stood out, playing with characteristic fire and intelligence. Vocalist Christine Rosander joined the band for “Weird Summer,” adding another tonal layer to the dense sound.

With Rutherford directing, the Monday Band further showcased Menza’s composing skills with “Collage,” an inspiring piece that moved through a variety of moods and rhythms. Fine solos from fluegelhornist Charlie Peterson and tenor saxophonist Tom Margitan brought personal touches to the emotional mix.

The afternoon also provided a showcase for three area vocalists. Though their performances often were lost behind the sound of the bands, especially as they played at higher volumes, each brought individual style to her material.

Rosander showed a sense of drama on “Come Rain or Come Shine,” and scat skills on “All of Me.” Vocalist and OCC vocal instructor Rowanne Mark sang “Our Love Is Here to Stay” and “When I Fall in Love” with the Monday Band.

Best of the three was Stephanie Haynes, whose smart phrasing and deep tone made Sergio Mendez’s “So Many Stars,” performed with the Friday Band, one of the afternoon’s most moving moments.