Over the past two years, the Amherst College Jazz Ensemble (ACJE) has formed a musical connection that extends beyond the Five College network, all the way to Valparaíso, Chile. This unlikely relationship was sparked and facilitated by ACJE's lead trombonist, Alex Rodriguez '07, who studied in Chile during the fall semester of his junior year. Eager to extend his links with Chile's emerging and vibrant jazz scene to Amherst's jazz community, Rodriguez was instrumental in helping the Jazz Ensemble's director, Bruce Diehl, send ACJE on tour in Valparaíso last August.

While in Chile, ACJE participated in "El Tercer Festival de Big Band," which consisted of a series of four performances. The experience culminated in playing for a crowd of over 2000 people who packed the balconies of an exquisite opera house. In addition to these performance opportunities, ACJE benefited from multiple jazz workshops at La Universidad Católica de Valparaíso and attended the nightly concerts of the other bands in the festival. Music was the main focus of the tour, but ACJE also had plenty of time to sightsee, experience the country's rich culture and bond socially.

Although many people were instrumental in organizing this fruitful experience for ACJE, the ensemble is especially indebted to Santiago Cerda. Cerda began his musical career as a trumpet player in his school's emerging brass band. As he grew into his teens, Cerda discovered his passion for jazz music and, ever since then, he has dedicated his life to infusing jazz with his own Chilean perspective. Currently, Cerda serves as the director and arranger for Chile's premier professional jazz ensemble, Los Andes Big Band. He also teaches at La Universidad Católica de Valparaíso.

At Rodriguez's suggestion, ACJE was first introduced to Cerda's music during the summer of 2006 in their preparation for the Valparaíso tour. Diehl selected a piece entitled "Cruzando la Calle," or simply, "Cruzando" (as affectionately named by ACJE). It is a Latin-funk piece which challenges the trombone and rhythm sections with fast-moving, intricate solis and engages the entire ensemble with energetic tutti sections. All of this takes place over the syncopated, pulsing groove laid down by the baritone sax and low trombones. After three days of intense practice, ACJE had fallen in love with "Cruzando," and it soon became their unofficial signature tune-always a vital part of concert programs, both in Chile and Amherst.

ACJE's connection to Cerda does not end with their affinity for "Cruzando." It was Cerda who initially arranged for ACJE's participation in Valparaíso's Big Band Festival, and graciously welcomed them to his beautiful country. Since their stay in Chile, ACJE has continued to benefit from Cerda's sage musical guidance and mentorship. As a token of gratitude for his part in arranging their Valparaíso tour, he was named ACJE's 2007 McBride Commission Composer. Cerda has written a piece specifically for the ensemble, entitled "Andes Jazz Suite."

So far ACJE has been rehearsing the first movement, titled "Bolero–Chacha." A snaking melody in the trombones reappears under a background solo trumpet. This theme is stated in various forms throughout the work, including a trombone soli, solo and embellished solo. The melody eventually gives way to the tight groove of the "Chacha" section, full of fresh, syncopated rhythms. Cerda's frequent use of chromatic inflections infuses the piece with additional-sometimes unexpected-harmonic excitement. Collectively, these melodic, harmonic and rhythmic elements create the confident, yet laidback feel of the piece that is distinct to Cerda's Latin-style jazz.

ACJE is looking forward to this weekend when Santiago Cerda will arrive in Amherst; the ensemble is excited to reciprocate Cerda's kind generosity by sharing its home of Amherst with him. During his stay, ACJE plans on immersing Cerda in the jazz@Amherst scene. At 3 p.m. on Fri., May 4, Cerda will give a talk in 212 Arms Music Center on the importance of jazz in Chilean music and society. He will also rehearse "Andes Jazz Suite" in its entirety with ACJE. They are jazzed about experiencing Santiago's energy once again, as well as getting such immediate, honest feedback from the composer himself. In addition, Cerda plans to attend the jazz combo performance on Sunday, and to sit in on Diehl's advanced jazz theory class on Monday.

The world première of Cerda's "Andes Jazz Suite" will be presented this upcoming Monday in ACJE's end-of-the-semester concert. The concert will be held in Buckley Recital Hall at 8 p.m. In addition to "Andes Jazz Suite," ACJE has prepared a diverse set of 10 tunes, and will be joined by guest soloist Darryl Harper '91 on the clarinet. The senior members of ACJE will also be honored for their outstanding contributions to the jazz program over their years at Amherst. The concert is free of charge, and will be followed by a reception catered by Loose Goose Café. Don't miss this exciting close to a wonderful year of playing for and the Amherst College Jazz Ensemble, complete with "el sabor chileno"!