Named as the Best Jazz Vocalist by the Jazz Forum Magazine for her melodic voice, Grazyna Auguscik put on a quite a show on Sept. 16 in the NEIU Recital Hall. With numerous nominations by the Chicago Music Awards and Fujitsu Concord Jazz Festival, it was clear on Friday as to why she is a renowned artist.
Auguscik was accompanied by fellow jazz artists John McLean, who had some impressive guitar riffs that the audience love and Matt Ulery, who showed off his talents not just by playing the bass but also with his creativity. The group played two songs that Ulery wrote, which he will feature on his upcoming album.
Pianist Rob Clearfield stirred the audience by his out- standing performance of classic jazz songs, including Billie Holliday’s “Don’t Explain.” The group also had a guest star,
Northeastern Illinois University’s own Travis Heath, who left an impression with his trumpet playing in the group’s fourth and tenth numbers and made the university shine. Although the group jammed out as a whole, Auguscik still brilliantly stood out and demonstrated why she is one of the best singers in the jazz world today.
The group played 11 songs, all of which highlighted every member’s talents. Auguscik undoubtedly showed her singing prowess from the get-go. Her first two songs were full of soulful lyrics that made you feel as if your ears’ sole purpose were to listen to her sing.
Besides showing her spectacular voice, Auguscik also showed her innovative work in pieces commemorating folk legend Nick Drake. Since Auguscik is planning on releasing an album dedicated to Drake, she gave the audience a little preview with “River Man.” Auguscik was able to transform folk music into jazz, which is no easy task.
As for the rest of the group’s members, McLean put his own personal touches on an amazing Hendrix-like guitar riff, giving it a bluesy touch in the last piece of the concert, “Magic Drums,” written by jazz legend Duke Ellington. Ulery played a solid bass throughout the performance on his own two songs, while drummer Jon Deitemyer and Clearfield were stunning on the stage, making it feel like a no barred jazz session.
If you have a chance to see Grazyna Auguscik and the Magnificent Four, do not pass it up. Even if you’re not into the jazz scene, you won’t forget this group because they have what it takes to pull off such amazing jazz numbers—so much so that they’ll make you feel like dancing.