I CAN TEACH

“Bern Bern Bern,” the album’s title track was composed and arranged by trombonist James McMillen.

Near the end, they played “Wiggle Waggle,” a song originally composed by the funky Herbie Hancock, who became a household name in the 1980’s with his MTV hit song “Rockit.” The Bill Cunliffe arrangement focused more on the playful aspects of the song than the edgy tension of the original. They closed out the concert with “Crossing the Boulevard,” composed and arranged by Andrew Neu.

Dresel was especially playful and boisterous during his drum solo which started out intense and fast and devolved into a seemingly experimental and interpretive burst of wild energy and cross-tempos until it dropped down to just the kick drum and symbols, lighter and lighter and fading to nothing, then bursting back for a dramatic finish.

The crowd responded with thunderous applause and Dresel thanked the college and audience then mingled with the students, signing autographs and talking about jazz. Some people went up to the stage afterward to take turns touching the instruments, fiddling with the upright bass and sharing their enthusiasm for the music with the players. Overall, it was one groovy ride.