On October 30th, 2024 at the University Center for the Arts, three of Colorado State University’s best jazz combos took the stage. Introduced by Will Swindler, the director of Jazz at CSU, Combo 2, Combo 3, and Combo 4 played four songs each to showcase their talents.

The theater was filled with supporting friends and family as well as a few additional attendees as the show was free for CSU students.

Jazz Combo 4 stepped up first, they played a lighthearted version of the song Milestones with special solos from each of their brass players. They finished with a rendition of Strasberg St. Denise, centering on their pianist with a slow opening and finishing with a lively combination of drums and guitar.

Next up was Jazz Combo 3, whose bassist stole the show by providing a relaxing and comforting background to the brass and piano players.
Combo 3 played slower songs than their predecessor, Combo 2, but they finished with their own rendition of Straight No Chaser, featuring energizing solos from every member of the combo.

Lastly was Combo 2, this group felt as if it was a mix of the first two, their music did not feel particularly uplifting or relaxing. However, their ensemble had excellent chemistry, creating energy in the music and their mood that spread over the crowd. This was the first of two shows that will take place this semester, the second will be the Jazz Recombination on November 14th, at the University Center for the Arts and will feature Jazz Combo 1, as well as Combo 2 once again.