Fatt Jazz

About the event

Washington State University School of Music proudly presents jazz fusion group Fatt Jazz featuring Brad Ard, Mindy Ard and Dave Snider from the WSU jazz faculty with special guest Dan Smith.  The concert will be on Tuesday, March 26, 2018, 7:00 PM, in the Kimbrough Music building room 101 on the WSU campus.  This concert will highlight jazz guitarist Brad Ard, percussionist Mindy Ard, electric bassist Dave Snider and special guest jazz drummer Dan Smith.  Brad Ard and Dave Snider have done special arrangements and compositions done specifically for this concert.  Admission is free and open to the public.

These four outstanding musicians will be showcased:  Bradley Ard on jazz guitar, F. “Dave” Snider on electric bass; Mindy Ard on percussion and steel drums and special guest Dan Smith on drums.   

This special performance was inspired by the group’s desire to do a contemporary fusion concert for our community.  It will showcase members of Fatt Jazz with special arrangements and compositions specifically done by Brad Ard and Dave Snider.

Brad Ard’s newest arrangement Aftershock, composed by Steve Morse, a cool rock groove which will set the vibe for tonight’s concert.  Other charts by Ard include his composition Enter an exciting chart with a hint of a great Pat Metheny vibe.  Bumpy is another prodigious composition by Brad Ard with a heavy funk fusion feel.

Besides compositions, Ard and Snider have also arranged a few charts for this group to include John Coltrane’s Naima, a magnificent ballad that is done in a slow funk feel.  Rio Funk, composed Lee Ritenour, is done in a smooth groove.  It will definitely get you groovin’.  Brad Ard’s arrangement of Norwegian Wood composed by the Beatles, is a perfect ¾ ballad with a lot of groove.  Fatt Jazz has to thank Herbie and Sco for their concept for Norwegian Wood.   Now She’s Blonde composed by John Scofield is a one of Fatt Jazz’s coolest fusion charts.  Brad’s solo on this chart is always breath taking.

Jamaica Farewell is a very solid calypso groove and features the Mindy Ard on steel drums.  This well-known chart is real crowd pleaser.  Mindy Ard on steel drums really gives Fatt Jazz a very distinct and unique sound.  In addition, of course the rest of the band has many exciting solos and grooves that will keep you rockin’ all night.