 "Photo: Riannon Rowley")
The College of Visual and Performing Arts Presidential Lecture and Performance Series presented jazz vocalist Rachael Price on Friday night at the Allen Theatre to an assorted crowd.
The 23-year-old was introduced to the crowd by Carol Edwards, dean of the College of Visual and Performing Arts. Price and a trio of performers began the show with Judy Garland’s “Get Happy” and also sang some of her favorite jazz standards, which included Duke Ellington’s “I’ve Got it Bad and That Ain’t Good” and Nancy Wilson’s “Never Will I Marry.”
“‘The Lady is a Tramp’ has been my favorite song since I was 5,” Price said. “Ella Fitzgerald’s was the first record I listened to.”
Price said engaging with the audience and explaining the story behind her performance of a song is important to her.
“(The crowd) needs a reason to care about the song,” she said.
Natalie Kincy, a sophomore horticulture major from Dallas, said she came to the concert at the request of her History of Jazz professor.
“(Price) definitely has a bright future ahead of her. I loved her selection of songs, and how she added a fresh twist to the classics,” she said. “My favorite song was ‘Skylark.’ It nearly brought me to tears.”
Price’s age was appealing to both those familiar with jazz and the newcomers, like Makenzie Tate, a senior finance major from Levelland, who said she decided to come to the concert after seeing it publicized around campus.
“Part of Rachael’s appeal is her youthfulness and vitality,” she said.
Jo Moore, the administrator for the Presidential Lecture and Performance Series, arranged to have Price perform at Texas Tech. Moore said she thought the singer’s focus would be beneficial for college students to witness.
“I think having a professional singer like Rachael Price is fabulous for the students to get to see someone who has focused all their time, energy and talent on her passion,” she said. “Rachael’s performance was enchanting.”
Price said she wanted her audience to know music is her passion.
“I love these songs,” the singer stated, “I feel blessed and honored to be taking part in the (jazz) tradition.”
Price, who said she has been performing professionally since she was 18, believes music is enriching.
“Music is a very special experience — it’s universal,” the singer said.
After the show, fans lined up to meet the singer, pose for pictures and discuss music.
“The crowd was so enthusiastic,” Price said. “They made it a lot easier. Having a young crowd is very special to us. We would love to come back.”
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