Exotic rhythms, deep, sustained bass notes and applause echoed off the walls of Knuth Hall yesterday evening as a week-long jazz festival began its first recital of the week.

“Fall Into Jazz,” an annual series of world and jazz recitals that features SF State music students, kicked off its opening night with performances by the Creative World Ensemble and the Experimental Funk Ensemble. The celebration, which features nightly performances until Friday, is presented by SF State's School of Music and Dance.

The Creative World Ensemble, comprised of ten musicians, performed untitled original music from North India, Southern Spain, Iran and Ireland. The ensemble featured instruments such as the daf, a large Persian frame-drum, and a sarod, a North Indian string guitar.

Reese Kolar, an audience member and SF State student, said that he came to the concert to enjoy world and jazz music. “You can’t beat a concert for five dollars,” said Kolar, who has attended numerous SF State music productions. “And it’s not like you get a chance to hear live music like this everyday.”

The Experimental Funk Group, a first semester SF State student group, closed the opening night with music from James Brown, Ernest Ranglin, Click Dark and Sly Stone. The group featured a rhythm section of two bassists, two guitarists, a drummer and a pianist with a horn section that included three saxophonists and a trombonist.

Jesse Adams, a student pianist and accordion player for the Experimental Funk Group, said before the event he was anticipating a great show and audience reaction. “Everybody [in the ensemble] is really open-minded,” said Adams. “Everybody has their own instrument, style and niche, but we’re willing to work together to make great music.”

Clare Coppal, student and audience member, said the high energy performances were notable. “More people should check these guys out,” said Coppal. “There are a lot of kick-ass musicians on campus.”

“Fall Into Jazz” will continue throughout the week with performances in Knuth Hall in the Creative Arts building every evening at 7:30 p.m. Upcoming performances include appearances by SF State’s Afro-Cuban Jazz Ensemble and Gospel Choir with additional groups performing big band music and a tribute to Stevie Wonder.

For more information visit http://creativearts.sfsu.edu/fallintojazz or call 415.338.2467. Tickets are $10 for general admission and $5 for students and seniors.