These guys are younger than some of the bottles of wine advertised on the opposite page!
And none of them are old enough to drink any of them. But like a good wine, age is only one determinate of quality.
And none of them are old enough to drink any of them. But like a good wine, age is only one determinate of quality.
To say that the members of Almost Uncommon are precocious is to damn with faint praise. They are on a road to make their mark in this market, and beyond, and aren't going to let a little thing like not being old enough to vote yet be an obstacle or a reason to wait. They're ready now.
A few places, such as Virgil's House on Henry Street have had them playing regularly since the group formed late last year. They have also participated in the Congress Park Summer Concert series, and have been signed to be THE jazz band at Labor Day Weekend's Final Stretch Festival (you can see them on Division Street between Borders and the Saratoga Downtowner. See side box for upcoming schedule).
So the jazz bars can wait for awhile. But not long.
Ok, the age thing. Let's run it down so we can be done with it. The quartet's combined age is 65, which is apportioned as follows:
Matt Moellman - Keyboards - 17, a senior at Saratoga Springs H.S., who says his major influence is Steely Dan
Kyle Jewell - Saxophone - also 17, a senior at Schuylerville H.S.: "Wayne Shorter. A soprano sax is in my future."
Matt Niedbalski - Drums - 15, Sophomore at Schuylerville H.S.: "Lately I've been listening to Elvin Jones"
Colin Sullivan - Bass - 16 - a junior at Schuylerville H.S.: "I don't even have a favorite color."
The beginning of the band's formation can be traced to John Nazarenko, the jazz-artist-in-residence at Skidmore, a teacher to 2, and an influence to all. John invited what would become the other 2 band members to jam on the Oliver Nelson tune "Stolen Moments."
Within 4-5 hours, the group would be appearing at Skidmore, performing that very same tune as part of a small ensemble showcase, the only non-collegiate group on the roster.
Almost Uncommon "is a terrific young group who work hard to develop their sound," Mr. Nazarenko comments, " Playing jazz is difficult and requires a strong technique, comprehension of jazz theory, and an exposure to the music in order to become conversational in jazz...These boys develop these skills by taking lessons, practicing at home, and rehearsing as a group. They are each great kids and fun to teach. They all accept the challenge of playing jazz and improvisation and have a lot of fun in the process!"
When you speak with them, their articulate nature and quiet confidence comes through. Almost Uncommon freely embraces jazz, and jazz standards at that, rather than go the rockstar route. They chime in: "Jazz is more complicated; the freeform nature of the music brings talent to the forefront...the music improves your improvisational opportunities...I like how it enables communication-- between us, and with the audience."
I didn't ask, but the guys all had people they felt they wanted to thank in addition to Mr. Nazarenko. Music department heads Mark Beaubriand (Saratoga HS) and Michael Craner (Schuylerville HS) were cited by all; Matt Moellman credits his two older brothers in music school; Matt Niedbalski lauds his teacher Ted MacKensie.
There is a CD project in the works, with some product expected to be available by the Final Stretch Festival (September 5-6). Eventually the band will be looking to branch out into the realm of original music, which at the moment is taking the form of improvisations off of traditional pieces, but as their major stated goal of more steady gigs is realized in short order, that should take care of itself. Always Uncommon has achieved everything they have put their collective minds and efforts towards so far.
If someone wants to buy me a nice present sometime, I think I would like their collective future.
A few places, such as Virgil's House on Henry Street have had them playing regularly since the group formed late last year. They have also participated in the Congress Park Summer Concert series, and have been signed to be THE jazz band at Labor Day Weekend's Final Stretch Festival (you can see them on Division Street between Borders and the Saratoga Downtowner. See side box for upcoming schedule).
So the jazz bars can wait for awhile. But not long.
Ok, the age thing. Let's run it down so we can be done with it. The quartet's combined age is 65, which is apportioned as follows:
Matt Moellman - Keyboards - 17, a senior at Saratoga Springs H.S., who says his major influence is Steely Dan
Kyle Jewell - Saxophone - also 17, a senior at Schuylerville H.S.: "Wayne Shorter. A soprano sax is in my future."
Matt Niedbalski - Drums - 15, Sophomore at Schuylerville H.S.: "Lately I've been listening to Elvin Jones"
Colin Sullivan - Bass - 16 - a junior at Schuylerville H.S.: "I don't even have a favorite color."
The beginning of the band's formation can be traced to John Nazarenko, the jazz-artist-in-residence at Skidmore, a teacher to 2, and an influence to all. John invited what would become the other 2 band members to jam on the Oliver Nelson tune "Stolen Moments."
Within 4-5 hours, the group would be appearing at Skidmore, performing that very same tune as part of a small ensemble showcase, the only non-collegiate group on the roster.
Almost Uncommon "is a terrific young group who work hard to develop their sound," Mr. Nazarenko comments, " Playing jazz is difficult and requires a strong technique, comprehension of jazz theory, and an exposure to the music in order to become conversational in jazz...These boys develop these skills by taking lessons, practicing at home, and rehearsing as a group. They are each great kids and fun to teach. They all accept the challenge of playing jazz and improvisation and have a lot of fun in the process!"
When you speak with them, their articulate nature and quiet confidence comes through. Almost Uncommon freely embraces jazz, and jazz standards at that, rather than go the rockstar route. They chime in: "Jazz is more complicated; the freeform nature of the music brings talent to the forefront...the music improves your improvisational opportunities...I like how it enables communication-- between us, and with the audience."
I didn't ask, but the guys all had people they felt they wanted to thank in addition to Mr. Nazarenko. Music department heads Mark Beaubriand (Saratoga HS) and Michael Craner (Schuylerville HS) were cited by all; Matt Moellman credits his two older brothers in music school; Matt Niedbalski lauds his teacher Ted MacKensie.
There is a CD project in the works, with some product expected to be available by the Final Stretch Festival (September 5-6). Eventually the band will be looking to branch out into the realm of original music, which at the moment is taking the form of improvisations off of traditional pieces, but as their major stated goal of more steady gigs is realized in short order, that should take care of itself. Always Uncommon has achieved everything they have put their collective minds and efforts towards so far.
If someone wants to buy me a nice present sometime, I think I would like their collective future.
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