North Texas Daily

Calli Carte | Contributing Writer

There’s nothing like a giant stage, a little mood lighting and a community of music lovers to get a night going.

That was the setting Wednesday, Feb. 3 at Jazz Night in the Union Syndicate. Audience members gathered at tables and along the balcony to hear UNT’s One O’clock Lab Band’s soulful tunes.

The night was all about reciprocation—the band played its heart out, and the crowd responded with nothing but praise.

“That’s one of my favorite parts of performing, especially on campus,” One O’clock Lab Band pianist Nicholas Olynciw said. “It makes me really happy to see that.”

Three separate sets were performed throughout the three-hour concert, each one more sultry and inviting than the last. Elaborate solos also rung out, showcasing band members’ talents.

Jay Saunders, interim director of the One O’clock Lab Band, said it’s an honor to direct the group.

“These students have worked very hard to earn a chair in this band,” Saunders said. “My job is to challenge them musically the way they will be challenged in the real world of top performing, recording and creative groups.”

The second set of the night introduced the audience to special guest and widely accredited jazz musician James Morrison. At the university as a part of the jazz division’s Jazz Lecture Series, Morrison offered to accompany a few of the group’s pieces Wednesday night, Saunders said.

The One O’Clock Lab Band performs at Jazz Night in the Union Syndicate. Courtesy | Craig Marshall

“He’s a phenomenal musician and witty orator,” One O’clock Lab Band saxophone player Brian Horton said. “I hope to play with him again someday.”

In the group’s future is another Jazz Night at the Union Syndicate, a month-long tour in Australia and the recording of its next studio album. The upcoming spring schedule for the One O’clock Lab Band is jam-packed with performances.

“There’s a lot on our plate,” Saunders said. “I’m very proud of these talented and hard-working students who can do all this and still take on a full academic load.”

With the jazz program’s highly acclaimed international reputation, a lot of time and effort must be put into performances like these.

“Playing in the One O’clock is a thrill,” Saunders said. “But it sure as heck isn’t easy.”

The next Jazz Night will take place at 9 p.m. tonight, Wednesday, Feb. 17 in the Union Syndicate. The Four O’Clock and Five O’Clock Lab Bands will perform.

Featured Image: The One O’Clock Lab Band performs on Feb. 3 at the Union Syndicate. Courtesy | Craig Marshall