The Columbus Jazz Arts Group, with its two-fold mission of education and performance, maintains the latter with its presentation of “Spinning Wheel," a chapter within the Great American Songbook Series. The performance is Jan. 22 and 23 at the historic Southern Theatre, 21 E. Main St.
In celebration of the musical contributions of Blood, Sweat and Tears, Chicago, and other installments of the 1970s, “Spinning Wheel” features the Columbus Jazz Orchestra alongside Grammy Award-winning Blood, Sweat and Tears trumpet specialist Lew Soloff; acclaimed saxophonist and Blood, Sweat and Tears collaborator Lou Marini; and the versatile vocalist Bruce Wermuth.
Soloff, a member of Blood, Sweat and Tears between 1968 and 1973, is most known for his trumpet solos and utilization of the piccolo trumpet within the New York jazz scene. He has collected nine gold records and 1969’s “Record of the Year” Grammy Award.
Marini, aside from his collaborations with Blood, Sweat and Tears, has also worked with groups such as Aerosmith, The Rolling Stones and The Band, and was a member of the Saturday Night Live band between 1976 and 1983. Marini’s saxophone has also been featured on the big screen, with an appearance in the 1980 film The Blues Brothers.
Wermuth’s skills are applicable in all areas of the music industry as a composer, writer, producer, trumpeter and featured studio vocalist. His voice has been included with the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra, at the Grande Ole Opry and at Switzerland’s Montreux International Jazz Festival. His trumpet has supplemented such artists as Tony Bennett and Bob Hope.
According to Scott Vezdos, JAG's director of marketing and communications, there has recently been an aim to provide more thematic shows with a wider variety of composers, noting there has not been a 1970s-focused jazz performance in his time with the organization.
He credits Music Director Byron Stripling for the decision to spotlight the music of Blood, Sweat and Tears and Chicago, pointing to the legendary influences of Soloff, Marini and Wermuth as justification.
“I expect this to be one of our most popular shows. There are a lot of people anticipating the event. If you are a fan of '70s music, jazz, and blues, this will be a very pleasing performance for you," Vezdos says.
Tickets are $49 for the main floor, $46 for the first balcony and $41 for the second balcony. Tickets can be purchased at the CAPA Ticket Office, 39 E. State St., through the CAPA Ticket Office Line at 614-469-0939, at any Kroger Store or online at www.jazzartsgroup.org or www.capa.com.