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Jazz fills hallways of GHCBy Andrew Cole
Jazz certainly isn't flying off the shelves in stores either and you will have a hard time finding an old classic 45 with the originals on it. However, you can get close to the intensity, the emotion and the raw talent with Davis and Dow, in their production, "Great Jazz Divas." As a multi-award winning jazz duo, they perform around the college circuit and have toured in New York, London and Japan. On Feb. 19 and 20 in Cartersville and Rome, they decided to stop by the Georgia Highland College student center. They fused their sets with samples from jazz history and spoken word that pays homage to greats such as Count Basie and Duke Ellington. They showed their incredible respect to the birth and origins of jazz music, and in light of Black History Month, they showed the rich African-American tradition in the roots of jazz. The intimate setting provided students with the ability to experience, up close and personal, the incredible jazz odyssey. They also paid respects to the strong women who made a name for their voice those who defined and pioneered what it means to be a "diva." Vocalist Julie Davis and guitarist Kelly Dow, are a married couple. The duo has incredible on-stage chemistry, leading the audience to snapping on the upbeat. Davis' voice can be compared to the likes of Peggy Lee and Ella Fitzgerald yet with an original twist. They combine such a soothing voice with the pure technical skill of Dow and his guitar work; his influences range from Joe Pass, to Django Reinhardt and the great Jimmy Bruno. To separate them and their accomplishments as jazz musicians would be a terrible mistake; they are inseparable as jazz masters. Their command of the notes and knowledge of what jazz is all about shows through: it's about everyone, their struggles and their victories, and most of all one must "respect one's ancestors." Dow feels that much of today's music is "fast food music." Jazz takes an acquired taste. People might hear one style of jazz and decide, "Well, I don't like jazz music." They hope to show students how to enjoy jazz music as the delicacy it is- comparable to the fast food music, jazz is a nice filet-mignon and Davis and Dow deliver it cooked slow, to perfection. For more information visit: www.davisanddow.com. |
The classics of jazz are a delicacy these days. You won't hear it on the radio along with today's music and you won't be able to see Ella Fitzgerald and Peggy Lee on stage.