The Ortwein JazzTet

Tuesday’s house concert with The Ortwein JazzTet was a really special one. Despite the rain and storms that rolled through Indy, the band and a great group of listeners came together for an evening that was fun, funky, jazzy, jammy, and full of original music and creative takes on familiar songs.

Mark Ortwein’s depth as a musician was on full display. A member of the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, Mark plays multiple woodwinds, and during the concert he moved between tenor, alto, and soprano saxophone and bassoon. At one point, he improvised a wild and impressive bassoon cadenza that led right into the next tune. He is so talented and creative! One of Mark’s fellow musicians from the ISO was even there to listen.

Mark is also a great band leader, and the chemistry between the four musicians was obvious. John Fell, a creative and talented guitarist, originally connected with Mark through Mark’s son, who was a friend of John’s. They now play music together. Thomas Brinkley brought his wide range of experience on bass, and Craig Hetrick’s sensitive, sometimes unpredictable jazzy drumming gave the music its own character. They listened closely to each other and played tight as a group.

This was one of Mark’s last shows with the group before he heads to Los Angeles to work as a studio musician. Thankfully, he’ll still be back and forth to Indy, so there will be more opportunities to hear him play—just not quite as often.

Thank you to Mark, John, Thomas, and Craig for braving the crazy weather and giving us such a memorable night. And thank you to everyone who came out to listen. This one was special.