The energy was high in the Gates Concert Hall Wednesday night with the performance by The Climb, the Lamont Faculty Jazz Combo in residence as part of the Lamont Subscription Concert Series.

The Climb features eight instructors from the Lamont School of Music: Malcolm Lynn Baker and Art Bouton on the saxophone, Alan Hood on the trumpet, Darren Kramer on the trombone, Eric Gunnison on the piano, Alan Joseph on the guitar, Ken Walker on bass and Mike Marlier on drums.

The performance was vibrant as the group performed a variety of pieces, constantly changing the mood and tone of the concert with each song.

The audience seemed immediately drawn to the cohesiveness of the performers, applauding throughout but particularly when a player would do something especially boisterous during a solo portion.

“Fables of Faubus,” a piece composed by Charles Mingus that was chosen to celebrate Black History Month, allowed Kramer to demonstrate his creativity. He used a rubber toilet plunger as a mute for the trombone, which elicited a delighted reaction from the crowd.

Other tunes had an element of mystery or affliction. “I remember Clifford,” performed by Hood on the trumpet, was a piece composed by Benny Golson in memory of the young Clifford Brown who was killed in a car wreck at the age of 25. Hood introduced the piece with reference to Golson’s words, “I agonized over every note.” Hood’s rendition of the piece clearly depicted that grief.

The piano was a delicate touch throughout the recital, complimenting the strong bass and drums but also powerful in its own right.

Gunnison enjoyed several solo opportunities that seemed to draw a certain admiration from the other players.

The slight dancing and tapping, along with the gray suits and a stage cluttered with speakers, microphones, sheet stands and bulky instruments truly gave the concert a ‘jazz’ feel. The instructors’ passion for the music itself was obvious.

“The level and quality was wonderful,” said Mary Anne Whitacre, who drove from Colorado Springs with her husband to see the concert. “They really know what they are doing.”

The Climb will be performing next Monday night in Jazz Night at Gates Concert Hall, and Friday nights in Flo’s Underground at William’s Recital Salon.