Written by Tiffany Jones
A new six-member group, Peppered Blue, got together because Harding University needed more Jazz.
The band consists of James Easter, Devon Newburn, Matt Parks, Jared Phillips, Tyler Replogle and Greg Snider. All current members of the Harding University Jazz Band, the group formed as an outlet for creativity and an improvisational learning experience.
“We were all itching to play this kind of music more, but there was not a group to play with other than the HU Jazz Band. In a small ensemble like this, we can develop ourselves as soloists and small group players,” Parks said, who provides vocals as well as playing trumpet.
For Jared Phillips, bassist, jazz has always been a big part of his life.
“My Dad played trombone in High School and got the Louis Armstrong Award every year. I started playing because I wanted to be just like him. “
So, what exactly does Peppered Blue mean? They don’t exactly know. For Parks, he hopes thinks the name evokes “mellow but spicy.”
Devon Newburn, pianist, thinks the name reflects the nature of the guys in the band. “We’re all really laid back guys but we have our random quirks.”
Peppered Blue’s debut concert was a casualty due to the recent snow storm, but the group said they are ready to show Searcy what they have Feb. 12that the Underground and have plans to play at the venue every other weekend.
