The sound of jazz guitar and scat vocals echoed through the halls of Mesa’s “C” building last Wednesday. Sept. 16, Mesa College welcomed jazz guitarist Peter Sprague and jazz vocalist Kevyn Lettau to perform as part of the school’s “Recital Hour” program. Room C-119 was full of students and faculty as Sprague and Lettau played an hour-long set of original and classic jazz.

Sprague is a recognized San Diego based jazz musician who has earned numerous San Diego Music Awards including two Best Jazz Artist awards in 2004 and 2007. Sprague has collaborated with artists such as Steve Bailey, Joe Pass and Sergio Mendes. Kevyn Lettau, who grew up in Berlin, Germany, is also a local jazz artist who once toured with Sergio Mendes.

Sprague and Lettau are long time friends and have collaborated for many years. Having met in high school the pair have been performing together off and on for about 32 years.

The performance was heavily jazz influenced but explored other genres such as blues and bossa nova. Sprague and Lettau played an hour-long set consisting of six songs and allowing intervals for the audience to ask questions.

The set started with the light Brazilian inspired “Heed My Call” written by Lettau. They included a few covers including the blues influenced “Blues Connotation”, originally by Ornette Coleman, and “Honeysuckle Rose” by Fats Waller. They ended their performance with a special song both Sprague and Lettau wrote titled ” You Said”.

Between songs the pair allotted time for a few questions. Audience members took special interest in the variety of non-traditional instruments such as Sprague’s impressive double-neck custom made guitar and Lettau’s vocal style. Sprague and Lettau seemed happy and enthusiastic to answer the audiences’ questions

The Recital Hour is a weekly concert with a wide variety of musicians. It provides entertaining and educational performances and invites Mesa students and faculty free of charge. Performances are every Wednesday through fall semester from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.