OxfordPress.com

School administrator by day, rock star by night.

Such is the life of Talawanda High School assistant principal and Adagio Blue bassist and songwriter Chris Rhoton.

"Some students might be surprised to know I have a life outside of school," Rhoton said. "It just shows that you can always pursue your hobbies, no matter what your job is."

On Saturday, Oct. 25, Rhoton, along with Adagio Blue bandmates Jay Brunner (guitarist and songwriter), Mark Becknell (drums) and Matt Hall (piano and keyboard), will host a release party for their first studio album "Ordovician Fission" at the Bar-B-Q Junction on Roosevelt Blvd. in Middletown.

The event will begin at 8 p.m. and feature a live performance by Adagio Blue. CDs will also be available for purchase.

"It's nice to get recognized a little bit," Rhoton said. "This is a testament to everyone in the band. It will be nice to have a good time with everyone."

Described as an instrumental jazz-funk fusion, Adagio Blue's unique sound isn't the type of music you will hear on mainstream radio, something the band embraces.

"Fortunately, or unfortunately, our music doesn't fit into one specific category," Rhoton said. "But people appreciate it, even if it is a different style. Our music always makes people move."

Aside from their unique blend of sounds, Adagio Blue is known for their fondness to improvise with their music.

"Sometimes Jay will just ask for a beat on the drums or bass and once we get that going everyone else will join in," Rhoton said.

This improvised style even made its way onto much of the album.

"When we recorded our album we stood in a circle and just fed off of each other."

"Ordovician Fission," which was recorded live and in only four hours, is already receiving positive reviews. Atlas and the Anchor, a popular music review Web site, calls the album "a testament to the experience and talent these four members exude." Adding, "They have more chops than a butcher shop!"

Rhoton, who spent six years at Talawanda Middle School before becoming an assistant principal at the high school last year, says that people at both schools have been supportive of his musical hobby. Some may even remember Rhoton as part of the staff band that performed at the middle school's talent show on several occasions.

While the Adagio Blue plays most of their gigs outside of Oxford, Rhoton said he would love to play here in town.

"We would love to find an audience here in Oxford. So many people play music locally and we would love to be a part of that."

For information about Adagio Blue, visit www.myspace.com/adagioblue.