On, Sunday January 10, CAH members gathered at the home of Herbert and Pat Pratt for a piano performance by Will Armstrong, a student at the New England Conservatory. Will transported us from a living room to what felt like a classy jazz bar with his surprising and impressive original compositions of well-known tunes including old favorites like Body and Soul and It Could Happen to You. There were very few idle feet in the house as we swayed to the music and tapped to the beat.
Will Armstrong grew up outside the Washington D.C. area where he was immersed in the jazz tradition of Duke Ellington and Count Basie. Through high school and much of college he studied with the late Calvin Jones, the founder of the U.D.C. jazz studies program and trombonist of the original Ray Charles Big Band. In 2003 Will graduated from Gonzaga, an all male inner city Jesuit high school, and continued to pursue degrees in English and music at Boston College (BC). At BC Will began to study classical and twentieth century repertoire and composition under the guidance of composer Ralf Gawlick. Since graduation Will has been studying at the New England Conservatory and has been mentored by the great Benito Gonzalez of the Kenny Garret Quartet.
Following the concert, members asked questions about Will's training and technique. After a brief Q & A session, we had a chance to mingle with the musician and other members while enjoying wine, hors d'oeuvres, and delicious Russian tea served by the host and hostess.