Jeovany Tzilin Gomez
Contributing Writer
On May 21, graduating or otherwise departing UC Santa Barbara (UCSB) students played alongside peers at their last jazz concert. The UCSB Jazz Ensemble presented “Backrow Politics,” the title of their concert, which featured performances of classic jazz standards as well as contemporary arrangements.
“Backrow Politics” took place at the Lotte Lehmann Concert Hall from 7-10 p.m. The concert was full of energizing renditions of jazz songs that got people excited, especially when the horns screamed with pride. The ensemble was conducted by Professor Jon Nathan, the director of the UCSB jazz program. Before each song was performed, Nathan took some time to let musicians tell their graduating and departing peers how much they are appreciated in the jazz program.
For their opening, they performed the song “Sound Down” by Joe Farrell. Their performance consisted of fast rhythms, interesting changes in tempo throughout the song, and loud chords. Creating a magical and beautiful experience for the audience, the ensemble made the song feel like an opening to a movie.
The jazz ensemble also performed “Butterfly” by legendary pianist Herbie Hancock. They matched the funky feelings that the original song provoked when they were playing groovy guitar riffs and intense trumpet notes.
After these two performances, the jazz ensemble took a break, and jazz combos (or small bands) were brought to the stage. One combo performed a well-known jazz tune, “Fables Of Faubus” by Charles Mingus, which fits with the theme of “Backrow Politics” as an example of music being used to advocate for civil rights.
Then, the ensemble came back again to perform another tune, “Green Piece,” by American composer Maria Schneider. The tune represents Schneider’s protest for music YouTubers to be paid well, bringing a sense of hope that change will come as people take action.
After the concert, the audience members were invited to a reception with the jazz musicians. Some of the musicians expressed their gratitude and appreciation for being part of the UCSB jazz program.
In an interview with The Bottom Line (TBL), second-year music composition major Leah Graalfs (she/her) reflects on her experience being the pianist of the jazz ensemble and how it changed her life. Graalfs said, “For the last two quarters, I’ve been in [jazz] combos, and it’s been really cool working with other musicians and making those connections. I wrote a piece for our combo this quarter, and so that was a really awesome opportunity.”
Graalf plans to transfer to California State University Sacramento to continue majoring in composition, and apply her jazz knowledge by continuing to write compositions. Graalf said, “I definitely will keep writing for jazz, like composing pieces, even if I’m not necessarily involved as heavily anymore as a performer.”
Third-year communications major Rory Christensen (he/him), an upright bassist, talked about his experience in the jazz program being “great” as he was able to make friends through their practices. Christensen said, “There was a skill gap I had to make up because we have some incredible musicians here. But I really learned a lot by having to get myself up to speed to play with them.”
Christensen expressed that he will miss playing jazz at UCSB as he is graduating this spring quarter. Christensen said, “I’ll try to find playing opportunities back home and keep up [with] connections. It’s a bittersweet night, but I’m really soaking it all up.”
Fourth-year biopsychology major Joanne Kauffman (she/her) joined the jazz program in the fall of 2024, making it her only year in the program. However, Kauffman expresses her gratitude for the program since it made a huge impact on her life.
Kauffman said, “Learning jazz made me think about music differently. [Professor Nathan] also helped me understand my strengths and weaknesses as a musician. I respected that a lot and it made me want to work harder.”
Kauffman plans to continue playing jazz at her local community college after she graduates and to connect with her hometown friends to write and play jazz.
Fourth-year political science and film and media studies double major Ellie Oslen (she/her), a trumpeter in the ensemble, has been in the jazz program since her freshman year. She spoke with TBL about the positivity and love she gained from her friends in the program. Oslen said, “If [someone plays] a solo or something, I think [it is] exciting to support [them] in that. This [program] is very specific in that everyone is there, and they know that the success of the group depends on everyone showing up for each other.”
Oslen also described how the jazz program helps students build a professional musicianship and learn how to dedicate themselves in the program on top of the other responsibilities they have to manage.
Oslen mentioned that the selection of music was “really strong” with “technical pieces” as well as “recognizable songs.” She said, “I thought we really struck that balance in enjoyability, but also like the level of focus that’s required to really hone in and learn that music.”
Oslen plans to continue her musical journey in Los Angeles after she graduates as well as expand her knowledge in jazz. She said, “I think continuing to seek out players that are better than me and being able to play with them is something that has always expanded my knowledge of jazz and continues to push me into being a better player.”
Expressing her gratitude for the UCSB jazz program by encouraging students who are interested in joining the jazz program, Oslen said, “[For] anyone that’s even a little bit interested in jazz at UCSB, there’s always room for you. Everyone’s very kind and it’s a really great way to get involved in music.”