IUP Crimson Hawks String Festival

This is an excerpt of Chiaroscuro by Stanley Chepaitis as performed at the IUP Crimson Hawks String Festival on 03/19/16 in Cogswell Hall on the campus of Indiana University of Pennsylvania.

This is the first time in 27 years that I’ve played double bass and performed with an orchestra.  The last time would have been in 1989 at IUP.  Though it wasn’t a flawless performance, it wasn’t bad considering how long it’s been since I played.  I look forward to playing much more often!

Remembering Dan Ebeling

Today's a bit of a sad day.  It would have been my friend's birthday.

I only knew Dan for a very short time.  During my first (and only) year at IUP, Dan asked me to join him playing bass in 10 O'Clock Jazz Band.  I wasn't very accomplished at that age (18) compared to others in the band but I think Dan saw the potential I had and wanted to help me grow as a musician.  Thanks to him and many others at IUP, grow I did during that year.  At the end of the school year, Dan asked me to perform beside him during his Master's Recital.  I remember being very honored that he asked me.  Dan was a great musician and, to me, and even better friend.  He is missed.

IUP Jazzmen (1988) Part 2

As promised in my previous IUP Jazzmen blog post, this video clip features my friend, Sam Gabud, on drums along with a young, mustachioed Matt Norcross on electric bass.  This Mark Taylor arrangement of Birdland by Weather Report was performed on 11/18/88 in Fisher Auditorium on the campus of Indiana University of Pennsylvania.

To read more of the story behind my experience with the IUP Jazzmen, click here.

Backstage at the 1988 Mr IUP Pageant

Here I am (far right) backstage at the 1988 Mr IUP Pageant with the sleepy looking Talent Winner Greg Wood (the guy in tux with trophy) - Vocals & Keyboards and my friend Sam Gabud - Drums (2nd from right).  I don't remember the guitarist's name (far left).  

You can click here to see a video of this line up performing Elton John's Crocodile Rock on a TV broadcast for Operation Bundle Up (charity drive).

Jesus Christ Superstar (IUP 1989)

The production of Jesus Christ Superstar and my participation in it remains one of the high points of my musical career. This took place during my first year of college at Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP) in February 1989.

Though I had been playing double bass or electric bass for almost every ensemble in the IUP Music Department, it was a honor to be chosen as the bass player for this "rock opera". I was the only freshman in the orchestra and the part I was to play was very high-profile and demanding.

I can still remember the first smaller "rock band" rehearsal with Chris Tackett (keyboards), Dave Foley (electric guitar), Tim Lutte (drums), and John DeStafano (percussion). They were all seniors and very accomplished musicians and there I was, the freshman new kid on the block. I was well aware that the rehearsal was really my "try out" and that I needed to prove my playing skills to them and to Gary Bird, the conductor.

From the first note of the opening Overture during that rehearsal, it became quickly apparent that I had "come to play". I could see their skeptic faces fade and, by the end of the rehearsal, I had allayed any fears they might have had. From that point on, the rehearsals went smoothly and all of our performances went well and were well-received by the public.

Some of my favorite memories of that production include all the jam sessions that the "rock band" would have before and after rehearsals. When we weren't doing free form improvisations, we would play covers of Frank Zappa songs or The Fish by Yes. In fact, it was Dave Foley that convinced us to do The Fish after he came into rehearsal one day with his typical glassy stare. He proceeded to hold up his keychain, which held a large (6"+) purple rubber fish, and declared, "We are going to play this!" How could we refuse??!!

However, my favorite memory is also the most esoteric and really has nothing to do with the production. It took place during one of the dress rehearsals in which IUP students were allowed to attend. It was during one of these rehearsals in Fisher Auditorium that Gary Bird (the conductor) took a moment between songs and asked the audience how everything sounded. Unbeknownst to me, my friend (and Associate) Everett (Rhett) Hammacher was in the balcony and took that opportunity to scream, "Turn up the bass!!!". Of course my bass didn't need to be turned up. It's one of those "you had to be there" or you had to know Rhett to know "why" that moment is so memorable and funny. I dedicate that little "flashback" to my fellow Associates - Ed Hartford, Rhett Hammacher, and James Hazen. Without them, my days at IUP would not have been so enlightened.

Enough of my ramblings. Here is the first 12 minutes of the 1989 IUP production of Jesus Christ Superstar. This recording was taped during a closed dress rehearsal and contains the following songs...

Synopsis

Overture

Act One

Prologue

Aria: Heaven On Their Minds

Friday .. Bethany

Scene: What's The Buzz?

Scene: Strange Thing Mystifying

IUP Jazzmen (1988)

Here's a clip of a young, mustachioed Matt Norcross playing electric bass with the IUP Jazzmen. This Roy Mitchell arrangement of the Theme from The Jetsons was performed on 11/18/88 in Fisher Auditorium on the campus of Indiana University of Pennsylvania.

This was during my first year of college and it happened to be the first IUP Jazzmen performance that year. At this time, we weren't a completely "cohesive" unit but the show and this song both came off pretty well. By the time we went on our Spring 1989 tour, we were all much more accomplished musicians and tighter as a group. However, various "indulgences" while on the road may have impaired "some" playing during those later shows. Those are stories for another day...

Unfortunately, this video doesn't feature my friend, Sam Gabud, on drums. You'll see him sitting, sullen faced, behind the other drummer (Ben Rhodes). Sam was a monster behind the kit. His style was very much like that of John "Bonzo" Bonham of Led Zeppelin fame. When he laid down a beat, you "felt" it but he was also very versatile. We spent a lot of time playing odd time signature tunes like Missing Persons - U.S. Drag and, of course, Frank Zappa and Rush songs (a prerequisite for any college musician). He could be as nimble playing a Zappa or Rush tune as he could be powerful while hammering out a 4/4 beat. I'll be sure to showcase him in the next IUP Jazzmen clip that I post.

P.S. Isn't that "cheesy" high school (then college) mustache sad? I think that I finally shaved it off forever shortly after this performance.