MILES DAVIS REINCARNATED INTO BODIES OF FOUR JAZZMEN by Holland

Audiences at Fisher Theatre in Ames were astonished when the Turtle Island String Quartet performed a stunning tribute to legendary jazz musician Miles Davis. "It was like he was reincarnated," Holland Dougherty, a student at Gilbert High, stated. "It was like listening to my dad's old records...but live!"

The players were indeed joking, and a jovial feeling was in the air. Snippets of modern music were also heard, intermixed with the flowing, freestyle jazz. "I could've sworn I hear the Jaws theme....and I know I heard a bit of the Twilight Zone theme," Dougherty said, grinning. "I thought a string quartet meant classical music....not that I don't like classical music, mind. I just didn't expect jazz, that's for sure."

The small, intimate setting of Fisher Theatre was the perfect background for the elegant mastery of Balakrishnan, Price, Tolling, and Summer. It was a very unhurried, cozy performance, with plenty of improv and scat, hallmarks of Davis's style. The quartet recieved three standing ovations, as well.

"I even managed to get the autographs of the Quartet for my dad, who's a big fan," Dougherty added, brandishing the signed program. "He was in Cedar Rapids on business, and couldn't come, but I know he'll like the autographs. I really had a great evening and hope they come to Ames again soon."