campus news & events

Colby-Sawyer to Feature Modern Jazz Performance by Eric Mintel Quartet

NEW LONDON, N.H., Sept. 17, 2009 — Colby-Sawyer College will host the Eric Mintel Quartet, an original and entertaining jazz act that has captivated audiences during previous performances on campus. The quartet will return to the college on Friday, Oct. 2, 2009 for an 8 p.m. performance in Wheeler Hall at Ware Campus Center. Admission is free and the public is invited to attend.

The quartet, founded in 1993 by Eric Mintel, is known for its energetic, rhythmic and lyrical style and musically diverse performances. Its distinguished musicians showcase their own original jazz compositions as well as the music of composers such as Dave Brubeck and Duke Ellington.

Jazz pianist Eric Mintel is an urbane improviser, arranger and composer who performs in a straight-ahead style, often incorporating classical themes into his music, according to Matt Collar in the All Music Guide. Mintel began playing jazz in his early teens and was influenced by such legends as Dave Brubeck, Bill Evans, and Duke Ellington.

The Eric Mintel Quartet has performed in many prestigious venues, including concerts for President Clinton at the White House, the Kennedy Center, a recorded concert at XM Radio's world headquarters, and at the National Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington, D.C. The quartet has released a handful of recordings, including “Hopscotch” in 2002, “Dynamo” in 2004, and “The Eric Mintel Quartet” box set in 2005. Their previous performances at Colby-Sawyer College include a festive holiday concert featuring the music of Vince Guaraldi from “A Charlie Brown Christmas.”

Their lively performances remain popular with audiences throughout the country, but the Eric Mintel Quartet has also gained the respect of members of the musical community. Baldwin “Smitty” Smith from Jazz Monthly praises the group, saying, “You've got a fantastic group of cats that can hold their own in any setting at any time. It makes me feel good to know that there are still some deep, fun and talented jazz bands out there and The Eric Mintel Quartet is all the above!”

The quartet features Mintel on piano, Nelson Hill on saxophone and flute, Dave Antonow on acoustic and electric bass, and Dave Mohn on drums. All four members have impressive musical resumes, including Hill's three-year run as lead alto saxophone for noted jazz musician, Maynard Ferguson, and Mohn's recent achievement of being named to the Vic Firth Education Team.

To learn about upcoming events at Colby-Sawyer, visit Upcoming Events.

-Jessica K. McLavey '10

Jessica K. McLavey is an English major and an intern in College Communications at Colby-Sawyer College.