Tower of Power baritone: The Next Generation
If you were introduced to 21-year old Amanda Corvini, you might guess that she plays the flute. You might even want to check her ID. Her lanky frame and youthful face belie her passion and skill for the baritone sax. Of course, you might spot one clue. She was sporting a Doc Kupka - style fedora.
During yet another night of special guest performances at the Palms, Las Vegas, Amanda stole the show, sitting in with Santa Fe & The Fat City Horns. Here is her story.
She comes from a musical family and, like both her parents, attends the Berklee School of Music (Amanda’s Profile) in Boston, Massachusetts. Amanda plays bari in the Berklee’s, appropriately named, Tower of Power ensemble.
The hardworking ‘keeper of the Santa Fe blog,‘ Bobby Gladd, had been exchanging emails with Amanda’s dad. The family had been planning to make a Las Vegas, among other things, to see Santa Fe & The Fat City Horns. But when Bobby heard the back story about Amanda, he and Santa Fe leader, Jerry Lopez, had just one instruction, “Have Amanda bring her axe.”
Bobby and Jerry sent Amanda a chart and an mp3 for Ain’t That Peculiar, and the magic moment was in motion. Last night Bobby introduced her, she stepped up with sparkling horn in tow, and took the room by storm.
Jerry had not selected just any tune. Ain’t That Peculiar has a horn bridge and turn around (click for mp3) built for the bari player. Not overwhelmed by the moment, whatsoever, Amanda stepped up and nailed it. The crowd rose to its collective feet and roared with approval.
Thanks to Jerry Lopez, Bobby Gladd, and the entire Santa Fe & The Fat City Horns entourage for their generosity of musical spirit. Congratulations to Amanda, and thanks to her folks for making the trip.
You can visit Amanda on MySpace.
Andy Ebon
CEO of Soul
Ain't That Peculiar - Bari Sax Chart
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