The Mercer Faculty Jazz Quintet presented “In Your Own Sweet Way” in Fickling Hall on Friday, Sept. 25. The quintet featured Townsend School of Music faculty members Monty Cole on saxophone, Andy Eulau on bass and Marcus Reddick on percussion, alongside Mercer alumnus Jeremy Roberts on guitar and guest artist Kevin Bales on piano.
The seven-song program featured classic standards and original works, including Vincent Youmans and Edward Eliscu’s “Without a Song,” Bernice Petkere’s “Close Your Eyes,” Tommy Tucker’s “High-Heel Sneakers” and Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart’s “Have You Met Miss Jones.” The quintet also performed Justo Pastor Almario Gómez’s “God Is Able” and Dave Brubeck’s “In Your Own Sweet Way,” before closing with Cole’s original composition, “Mile to the East.”
The evening brought together veteran educators, local alumni and guest performers whose careers span international tours, recording and music education.
“I really enjoyed their rendition of ‘In Your Own Sweet Way’ by Dave Brubeck,” said Mahalie Brown ’27. “It was a lovely environment to be a part of and to have available as a Mercer student.”
“It was really soothing and calming,” said Jocelyn Thomas ’30. “Especially after a busy week, I thoroughly enjoyed it.”
Cole, who joined the Mercer faculty in 2002 and serves as director of jazz studies, has performed alongside artists including Frank Mantooth, Barry Manilow and Josh Groban. He holds a doctorate in musical arts from the Cincinnati Conservatory. “Mile to the East,” the evening’s closing piece, was also the title track of his 2007 solo album.
Eulau, a New York native who moved to the Atlanta area in 2019, has performed across four continents and was honored as a Jazz Ambassador by the Kennedy Center and the U.S. Department of State. He has recorded with the Bill Charlap Trio and the Anthony Braxton Quartet.
Reddick joined Mercer in 2006 as director of percussion studies after teaching at Albany State University. He has performed internationally with artists including Elton John, Billy Joel and Sarah McLachlan.
Roberts, an Athens-based public defender for the Western Judicial Circuit, studied improvisation under Cole in high school before earning a history degree and jazz minor at Mercer. He later earned his law degree from the University of Georgia and continued performing with Central Georgia groups.
Bales, an Atlanta-based pianist, began classical training at age 10 before turning to jazz at 17. He has recorded and toured with Wynton Marsalis, Nat Adderley and Louie Bellson, with performances at Lincoln Center and the Kennedy Center.
Cole said the group has been developing for about a decade, with some changes to its lineup over the years. Former students, including Kenneth Trimmins, now a professor of trumpet at Albany State University, and bassist Neil Starkey, have also performed with the group.
For the musicians, the ensemble reflects a lifelong connection to jazz that often began in high school ensembles before continuing through college groups and professional performance.
Cole noted that opportunities to hear live jazz have diminished over time, but said those who seek out the music will find a “rich and vibrant subculture” filled with talent and imagination.
Kaylee Grace Buchanan '29 is double majoring in Criminal Justice and Psychology with an minor in Religion. When not writing, she enjoys reading, baking and playing tennis. You can also catch her on the pickleball courts jamming out to some music as well.
