This past Tuesday, Nov. 13, Bug Jazz Ensemble performed in Goodrich Chapel as part of the Albion music department’s Guest Artist concert series.

The quintet of accomplished musicians from around the country, including former Albion professor James Miley, started their hour-and-a-half-long set shortly after 8 p.m.

Percussionist and group founder Brian Hamada, saxophonist Peter Epstein, bassist Roger Shew, and guitarist Jeff Miley, joined the pianist, composer, and former faculty member in performing a few cover tunes and several group-penned originals with names like "Inflatable You," "The Dude Abides," and "I Left My Hat in San Francisco."

"[Bug’s] music is very eclectic," said Andrew Bishop, associate professor of music and jazz saxophonist and clarinetist. "Even though it’s jazz, to a certain extent it draws from a variety of styles that the musicians are all well-versed in. [Their music] is very diverse, with elements of rock and world music thrown in; it’s accessible and challenging at the same time."

Miley, who was the director of the Albion jazz ensemble from 1997-1999, took the opportunity to address the chapel crowd several times in between songs.

"I used to teach here, and I’ve taught at many schools since then," he said. "But let me tell you: Albion still wins, as far as cool schools go."

The group’s Albion stop was part of their 2007 World Domination Tour, sandwiched in between performances in Ann Arbor and Holland.

"Last year we played five dates in California, and now we’re in the middle of five dates in Michigan," Miley said. "So in 48 years, we should have the whole country covered."

Bug’s performance was attended by a number of students from associate music professor James Ball’s evolution of jazz class, including Dennis Bell, Three Rivers sophomore.