The Liberace Jazztet: On the Verge

The young scholars must be encouraged to write as well as play, as all but one of the ten selections on On the Verge—the Victor Scherzinger/Johnny Mercer standard "I Remember You —were composed by members of the Jazztet: three by Stone, two by Austin and Suhrheinrich, one each by Evans and Campbell. The overall ambiance calls to mind a rather laid-back incarnation of the Blue Note/Prestige era of earnest boppers—or perhaps Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers, even though Evans is a far less imperious drummer than Blakey. While Campbell and Stone form a splendid front line, I was most impressed with the rhythm section, which provides unflagging support without overplaying its hand. Evans is especially discreet, bassist Austin cool and steady, while guitarist Suhrheinrich, an excellent soloist and accompanist, averts the need for a piano.

The music is well-written and capably performed, and in a blindfold test these young musicians might easily be identified as seasoned professionals. It's clearly evident that their rehearsals—several each week, guided by NIU's top-notch jazz faculty—have paid handsome dividends, as On the Verge is smooth and charming from start to finish.

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