Spring Break
Renowned pianist plays Gantner stage
Audience raves about Herrera's performance; musician plays with jazz ensemble
Emily Hartwig
Issue date: 12/3/07 Section: Campus News
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Nationally known Cuban and Latin jazz pianist Ignacio "Nachito" Herrera played on Gantner stage Friday night. The Eau Claire Jazz I ensemble hosted Herrera as a special guest for its concert.
"You couldn't just help but sit at the edge of your seat," said senior Jazz I trumpet player John Raymond. "He just draws you in with who he is and with his playing."
Herrera came to Eau Claire because of his professional-level work with four seniors: Raymond and Paul Stodolka on trumpet, Evan Benidt on saxophone and Justin Verhasselt on trombone. The five-man group, called Twin Cities Horns, includes another Cities-area saxophone player and has been playing with Herrera since August at the Dakota Jazz Club and Restaurant in Minneapolis, one of the largest jazz clubs in the country.
Jazz I pianist and senior Adam Braatz said seeing Herrera was unbelievable. Braatz described Herrera as "one of the guys" in jazz music.
Robert Baca, the ensemble's director, said the first time he heard Herrera at the Dakota, he was on the second floor of a sold-out audience.
"My jaw dropped two floors," Baca said. "I've never heard a jazz pianist like him before."
Sophomore jazz pianist Brandon Covelli said he sat onstage with his mouth open for most of Herrera's performance on Friday night.
"My eyes couldn't keep up with his hands," he said.
From his seat, Covelli said he had a good view of the audience's reaction. They were in silent amazement, he said.
Herrera worked with Jazz I on Friday afternoon before the concert.
"He just knows so much about music in general - particularly, Cuban music," said senior Jazz 1 trumpet player Keith Karns.
During rehearsal, Herrera went over maintaining balance between the instruments and improving communication between the soloist and the rest of the band.
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