Visions Jazz Ensemble Turns Fight Songs Into Full Arrangements

(KMDL-FM) If you're a fan of the Tigers of Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, then you are undoubtedly familiar with "Tiger Rag". It's a staple at every LSU event and is often used to elicit a cacophony of noise while opposing teams are attempting to get their wits about them on the field or on the court.

Hold That Tiger, Tiger Rag - New Jazz Version Available Just in Time for Football

That song, Tiger Rag, you might know it as "Hold That Tiger", and others have been re-imagined as jazz standards by the Visions Jazz Ensemble. The new release features reimagined fight songs such as "Ramblin' Wreck" from Georgia Tech, On Wisconsin from the University of Wisconsin, and a song that most LSU fans hope they won't hear on November 26th when the Tigers invade Neyland Stadium; that song, of course, is Rocky Top.

The project began in 2023 when Sam Butler, trumpeter and arranger for the group, and Garrett Fasig, an emerging composer and saxophonist, conceived the idea and then began the process of taking timeless classic tunes, familiar to many as marches, and using the familiar melodies and phrasing to create an intriguing and engaging jazz version of the classic tunes.

What Does The New Jazz Version of Tiger Rag Sound Like?

Get ready to cheer on the Tigers and tap your toes at the same time. This is from the Across the Field release.

These robust reincarnations of songs such as the iconic Notre Dame Victory March have taken on a life of their own as more and more universities and fans of those universities are finding ways to weave these iconic melodies into gatherings and musical playlists.

Incidentally, some high schools in the area use these fight songs as their own; here's a unique challenge for your high school music department. In the meantime, you can enjoy the musicianship, the arrangements, and the unique visions these artists have added to the melodies that take us back and lead us forward.

This just might be the perfect addition to your tailgate playlist or "we're cookin' at home because the team's on the road" playlist. Give it a listen; don't be surprised if you find yourself whistling the same old tune in a very unique way.

9 Louisiana School Field Trips Acadiana Still Remembers

For a lot of us who grew up in Acadiana, there was one day on the school calendar that always stood out...the annual field trip.

It didn't matter if you were headed to a museum, a nature trail, or...anywhere at all really. Climbing onto a school bus with your friends meant you were in for an adventure, and those memories have a way of sticking with you.

We asked you on Facebook to share the school field trips you remember most, and the responses were packed with nostalgia. Some places are still welcoming students today, while other places are sadly no longer in operation.

One destination, however, caught nearly everyone by surprise.

Gallery Credit: Michael Dot Scott

Source: This Jazz Version Of ‘Hold That Tiger’ is Surprisingly Great

Filed Under: lsu, LSU Football

Categories: Louisiana News