Wednesday Nights at the Syndicate
Wednesday Night Jazz at The Syndicate
Schedule for Spring 2008
January 23, 9:00 PM
One O’Clock Lab Band
Directed by Neil Slater
January 30, 9:00 PM
Three O’Clock Lab Band
Directed by Jay Saunders
Two O’Clock Lab Band
Directed by Jim Riggs
February 6, 9:00 PM
Five O’Clock Lab Band
Directed by Justin Stanton
Four O’Clock Lab Band
Directed by Dave Richards
February 13, 9:00 PM
Seven O’Clock Lab Band
Directed by Brian Wesolowski
Six O’Clock Lab Band
Directed by Joe Janes
February 20, 9:00 PM
Nine O’Clock Lab Band
Directed by Brian Girley
Jazz Repertory Ensemble
Directed by John Murphy
February 27, 9:00 PM
Guitar Ensembles
Directed by Fred Hamilton
Zebras
Directed by Kait Dunton
March 5, 9:00 PM
The U-Tubes (Jazz Trombone Ensemble)
Directed by Steve Wiest
Eight O’Clock Lab Band
Directed by Tim Goynes
March 12, 9:00 PM
Latin Jazz Ensemble
Directed by Jose Aponte
March 26, 9:00 PM
Three O’Clock Lab Band
Directed by Jay Saunders
Two O’Clock Lab Band
Directed by Jim Riggs
April 9, 9:00 PM
Five O’Clock Lab Band
Directed by Justin Stanton
Four O’Clock Lab Band
Directed by Dave Richards
April 23, 9:00 PM
Seven O’Clock Lab Band
Directed by Brian Wesolowski
Six O’Clock Lab Band
Directed by Joe Janes
April 30, 9:00 PM
Nine O’Clock Lab Band
Directed by Brian Girley
Eight O’Clock Lab Band
Directed by Tim Goynes
Thursday Noon at the One O'Clock Lounge
Thursday Noon @ UNT Union One O’Clock Lounge
Schedule/Spring 2008
Thursday, January 31, Noon – 1:00
Two O’Clock Lab Band
Directed By Jim Riggs
Thursday, February 7, Noon – 1:00
Three O’Clock Lab Band
Directed by Jay Saunders
Thursday, February 14, Noon – 1:00
Four O’Clock Lab Band
Directed by Dave Richards
Thursday, February 21, Noon – 1:00
Five O’Clock Lab Band
Directed by Justin Stanton
Thursday, February 28, Noon – 1:00
Six O’Clock Lab Band
Directed by Joe Janes
Thursday, March 6, Noon – 1:00
Seven O’Clock Lab Band
Directed by Brian Wesolowski
Thursday, March 13, Noon – 1:00
Eight O’Clock Lab Band
Directed by Tim Goynes
Thursday, March 27, Noon – 1:00
Nine O’Clock Lab Band
Directed by Brian Girley
Thursday, April 10, Noon – 1:00
Jazz Repertory Ensemble
Directed by John Murphy
Thursday, April 17, Noon – 1:00
Latin Jazz Ensemble
Directed by José Aponte
Thursday, April 24, Noon – 1:00
Zebras
Directed By Kait Dunton
Lynn Seaton interviewed at doublebassblog.org
Doublebass blogger Jason Heath writes that he just finished doing an interview with Lynn Seaton.
Watch for the interview and sample tracks from one of Lynn's recent CDs to appear on that site soon.
Drummer (and UNT alumnus) Ari Hoenig, Gilad Hekselman (guitar), and Orlando Le Fleming (bass) will play at the Syndicate on Friday, Jan. 25 starting at 8 p.m. Cover charge is $7.
Neil Slater and the One O'Clock Lab Band open the Wednesday night series at the Syndicate
Alumni news from Tyler and Claire Kuebler
Alumni Claire (B.M. 1993) and Tyler Kuebler (B.M. 1995, M.M. 1997) welcome Sofia June Kuebler, born on Saturday, January 12, 2008. Congratulations! Tyler's email is tkuebler@mchsi.com.
D.M.A. in Jazz Studies at UNT
Update on Oct. 5, 2011
We are now accepting applications for the DMA in Performance with a local concentration (major) in Jazz Studies. Students who are admitted in this admissions cycle will begin their studies in Fall 2012. For more information about the degree, see this page:
jazz.unt.edu/dma-performance-jazz-studies
Update: The proposal to create this degree is making progress through the approval process. It has been approved by the UNT Graduate Council. Now it needs to be approved by the UNT Board of Regents and then the Texas higher education coordinating board. The outcome of the process is not certain and there may be delays. In our proposal we ask to have students enrolled starting fall 2011, which means that they would need to apply in the 2010-2011 application cycle. I will post updates about this to the UNT jazz studies site. Please do not send applications now. When we are ready to accept applications, I will publicize that fact with every means at my disposal, starting with this site. You are welcome to send questions by email to john.murphy@unt.edu.
John Murphy, Chair, UNT Division of Jazz Studies, July 10, 2010 [end of 2010 update]
[original posting:]
A new degree, the Doctor of Musical Arts in Jazz Studies, is being planned at UNT. It will offer emphases in performance or composition/arranging along with course work in jazz pedagogy, analysis, and history, and provide ample opportunities for performance and teaching.
We're at a stage in the proposal where we'd like to get a sense of the interest in this degree.
If you are a prospective student who would be interested in applying for the program, or a professional jazz performer or educator who would like to share your views about it, I need to hear from you--soon!
Please send your ideas to john.murphy@unt.edu.
Thanks,
John Murphy
keywords (for use by search engines): D.M.A., DMA, jazz, doctorate in jazz studies, doctoral work in jazz, UNT Jazz DMA
James Riggs to Retire; Search opened for Artist/Teacher of Jazz Saxophone
James Riggs, our longtime professor of jazz saxophone and director of The Two O'Clock Lab Band, will retire at the end of this academic year.
The search for his replacement has begun. Here's the position announcement.
Thoughts on jazz education by Bobby Broom
Current student Pat Kracunas suggested that I post a link to this essay by Bobby Broom for the benefit of the UNT jazz community, and I'm glad to do so in the interest of promoting discussion--and playing with a positive spirit.--J. Murphy
Alumnus Bob Morgan to be Honored
On Saturday, March 1, 2008, Dr. Bob Morgan will be honored in a concert entitled "One for Doc," which will feature his former students from the High School for Performing and Visual Arts in Houston, where Dr. Morgan served as Director of Jazz Studies. Read more about it
Alumnus Paul Tynan has a new website
It's www.paultynanjazz.com. Paul composed a suite, "The story of Langston," which will be premiered in Kingston, ON with the Greg Runions band on March 4th. On April 13th, he and Aaron Lington will be a guest soloists with the Chabot College Wind Symphony at the California Music Educator's conference in Sacramento. They are playing the world premier of Aaron Lington's "Open Evidence" for Jazz Quintet and Wind Ensemble. He also has a guest artist spot with the Bakersfield College Jazz Orchestra on April 4th.
Kerby Stewart
We note with sadness the passing of a mainstay of the Dallas/Ft. Worth jazz scene for many years, bassist Kerby Stewart. His colleague Dave Zoller writes, "Kerby was a vital part of the D/FW music scene for four decades. A superb, highly sought-after bassist at home in nearly any musical situation, Kerby also
taught sound recording techniques at Cedar Valley Community College. He was an alumnus of the NORAD band & the Woody Herman and Stan Kenton orchestras."
John Abercrombie to be 2008 Gomez Artist in place of Jim Hall
Jim Hall, who was going to visit UNT for the Glenn Gomez International Jazz Artist residency next week, is unable to do so because of back trouble.
John Abercrombie has generously agreed to do the entire residency, and he will be featured on the Feb. 28 concert.
Schedule of John Abercrombie's Residency
All Students and Faculty are invited to attend the different sessions.
Monday, February 25
11:00 – 12:00 Open Forum (Kenton—Room 282)
1:00 – 2:00 Jazz Composition (Room 292)
4:00 – 5:00 Small Group Forum (Room 282)
7:00 – 9:00 Workshop – Guitar Students (Room 282)
Tuesday, February 26
10:00 – 10:50 Advanced Jazz Improvisation (Room 262)
12:00 – 12:50 Workshop guitar students. (Room 262)
2:00 - 3:15 Jazz Lecture Series – Room 301 (Recital Hall)
4:00 – 4:50 Rhythm Section Masterclass
Wednesday, February 27
10:00 – 10:50 Jazz Styles & Analysis (Room 282)
11:00 – 11:50 Jazz Composition (Room 282)
1:00 – 2:00 Rehearsal with One O’Clock
7:00 – 9:00 Rehearsal with Faculty – (Room 282)
Thursday, February 28
11:00 – 12:20 Jazz History and Pedagogy of Jazz Improvisation (Room 282)
1:00 – 3:00 Sound check & rehearsal at in Winspear Hall.
8:00 – 10:00 Concert in Winspear Hall (Tickets available at the Box Office)
One O’Clock Lab Band with John Abercrombie
Intermission
John Abercrombie with selected faculty.
Alumnus Pat Coil releases CD "Bird House"
Pat Coil's new CD "Bird House" is now available.
This is a recording of original compositions by his sextet featuring: Jim white - drums, Craig Nelson - bass, George Tidwell - trumpet, Barry Green - trombone, and Mark Douthit - sax, and Pat on piano. It was recorded by Brendan Harkin at Wildwood Studios, and mastered by Mike Haynes at 440 Digital.
For more information: https://www.patcoil.com.
Live from Thailand DVD/CD Available for Pre-Order
Live from Thailand Double DVD/CD set $25.00
The One O'Clock Lab Band performs live in concert from Bangkok, Thailand. Enjoy the full concert on CD, as well as DVD (concert was originally broadcast throughout Asia). In addition, a full length DVD documentary is included that covers the entire tour in Thailand. Highlights include: meeting His Majesty the King, performing for and along with him at his palace; presentation of an honorary degree to His Majesty; back-story of how the King first met the One O'Clock Lab Band in 1967 at the White House during a State visit; Interviews with Leon Breeden, Dan Haerle, Ed Soph, Lou Marini; archival photos and the 1967 White House concert audio recording from the LBJ Library; Interviews with Neil Slater, College of Music Dean Dr. James Scott, Chancellor Lee Jackson, Dave Shrader, Tom Hoemeke, and others who were on the tour, featuring interviews with student members of the One O'Clock Lab Band. Live from Thailand will ship later this month (March, 2008). You can order it using the Pre-Order Form.
Alumnus Stephen Anderson releases CD on Summit Records
Composer and pianist Stephen Anderson, a faculty member at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, will release the CD Forget Not on Summit Records in April, 2008. He's joined on the CD by UNT alumni Jeff Eckels (bass) and Joel Fountain (drums). For more information, here are the liner notes (PDF).
Dennis Irwin
We note with sadness the passing of bassist Dennis Irwin, mainstay of the New York jazz scene and an alumnus of the University of North Texas (then North Texas State University), where he studied classical clarinet and switched to jazz and the bass. His battle with cancer raised awareness of the problems musicians have with health insurance. His New York Times obituary describes memorial funds that have been and will be established. See also a note in Down Beat.
This article appeared in the March 13, 2008 Denton Record-Chronicle. It is reproduced here by permission of the author.
Jazz bassist Dennis Irwin dies at 56
New Yorker with ‘great love for music’ had studied at UNT
08:24 AM CDT on Thursday, March 13, 2008
By Dan X. McGraw / Staff Writer
Dennis Irwin, a former University of North Texas student and a world-renowned jazz bassist, died Monday in Manhattan, N.Y. He was 56.
The cause of death was liver failure as a result of cancer, his son Michael Irwin told The New York Times.
Irwin’s beats have graced more than 500 albums since he picked up the bass at age 19, and he performed regularly with the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra at the Village Vanguard jazz club in Manhattan.
“Everyone is very shocked,” said Neil Slater, University of North Texas chairman of jazz studies. “His reputation as a musician was excellent, and he played with every well-known jazz musician.”
Irwin attended what was then North Texas State University from 1969 to 1974 to study classical clarinet performance.
At the encouragement of two students in the program, Irwin switched to jazz and devoted himself to the bass. The move eventually landed him a job as a bassist with pianist Red Garland in Dallas in 1973.
By 1974, without graduating, Irwin moved to New York to perform. He played in Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers for three years in the late 1970s. Most recently, Irwin played in bands led by artist such as John Scofield, Johnny Griffin and Joe Lovano.
“He had a great love for music and the tradition of jazz,” said UNT professor Lynn Seaton.
Seaton, who knew Irwin from New York, said he took time out of his class to announce Irwin’s death and asked students to read a tribute to Irwin that he posted on his bulletin board.
However, many jazz professors said students didn’t need a refresher course on Irwin.
“Every jazz student knew who he was and what he accomplished,” Slater said. “He lived the dream.”
His death came on the same day as a benefit concert in his honor in New York. The proceeds would go toward Irwin’s medical expenses and to the Jazz Foundation of America, which helps uninsured musicians.
The newspaper also reported Englewood Hospital and Medical Center created the Dennis Irwin Memorial Fund to make free cancer screening available to uninsured jazz and blues musicians.
Irwin is survived by his son, Michael, of Manhattan; his companion, Aria Hendricks; his brother, David Irwin, and his mother, Daisy Godbold, both of St. Petersburg, Fla.; and his father, David E. Irwin of Monticello, Ga.
Sueyoung Yoo accepted for Composition Residency at the MacDowell Colony
Pianist, composer, and recent UNT Jazz Studies M.M. graduate Sueyoung Yoo has been accepted for a composition residency at the prestigious MacDowell Colony, which was founded in 1907 by composer Edward MacDowell and his wife Marian MacDowell. The residency will take place for eight weeks during summer 2008 at the colony located in Peterborough, New Hampshire.
Another idea about the UNT DMA in Jazz Studies
Several weeks ago I invited feedback about the proposed DMA in Jazz Studies. One of the responses I received asked about the possibility of distance learning. At the time, I didn't have any ideas about how that could work at the level of a doctoral program. I've only experienced it at the level of individual courses.
This reponse makes sense. There are probably many people who would like to do the DMA, but cannot leave their jobs and/or local playing and teaching situations for one or more years.
Yesterday I found out about a Ph.D. Program at Antioch College, which combines short intensive residencies and distance learning. I haven't consulted with UNT graduate school about it yet. I'm posting this to invite more discussion about creative ways to make our DMA program meet the needs of students.
John Murphy, murphy@unt.edu
NT Jazz Festival in Addison is approaching: April 2-3-4
The David Binney Quartet will headline Friday's concert. The location is new.
See the festival site for all the current information.
Historian & Pianist Lewis Porter to visit UNT
Photo by Ed Berger
Historian and pianist Lewis Porter, Professor of Music at Rutgers-Newark, will visit UNT in April. On Sunday, April 6 at 7 p.m., he'll play an informal concert with John Murphy and faculty and students. On Monday, April 7, he'll visit Murphy's graduate jazz analysis class from 10-10:50 and the Jazz Repertory Ensemble rehearsal from 12-12:50. All events take place in Kenton Hall and are free and open to the public.
Dr. Porter is the author of many publications on jazz, including:
Jazz: From Its Origins To The Present (with Michael Ullman and Ed Hazell, 1993)
Jazz: A Century Of Change / readings And New Essays (1997)
John Coltrane: His Life And Music (1998)
Lester Young (2005)
He is co-author of:
John Coltrane: A Discography And Musical Biography (by Yasuhiro Fujioka With Lewis Porter And Yoh-Ichi Hamada)
and editor of The John Coltrane Reference (2007)
College Music Society survey of Professional Musicians
Reposted from an email to College Music Society members:
CMS Survey for the Profession Musician
Do people really know what it's like to be a professional musician? Do musicians themselves even know what their peers think and do? A large-scale groundbreaking new study from a University of Pennsylvania researcher (and musician) is attempting to find out.
This study is different from all prior studies on musicians in that it is collecting information from diverse geographic areas and many types of musicians. Although the media churns out a continuous stream of images depicting musicians, there is a profound lack of systematically gathered information about musicians' lives; their occupations, attitudes, and behaviors.
Here is an opportunity to weigh in as a musician on issues of importance to all musicians by taking an online survey. The survey is easy to take as nearly all the items are multiple-choice and are responded to with mouse clicks.
Additionally, you don't have to provide any personal information as survey responses are anonymous.
The Philadelphia Local of the American Federation of Musicians http://www.local77afm.org is supporting this study by providing a link to the survey from its website. The study has also been promoted by Polyphonic.org and Downbeat Magazine.
No matter what your style of music or musical occupation, get counted by participating.
Results will be published and posted so all can benefit.
Or go directly to the survey site: http://www.musicianstudy.org.
Thanks for your help!
Emmanuel Angel
University of Pennsylvania
Followup on "One for Doc" Bob Morgan Tribute
Photos from event to honor Bob Morgan are available here (photos by Pin Lim) and here (photos by Will Cordray). The attendance at the "One for Doc" concert was between 3,500 and 4,000. Photos include shots of Bob receiving a proclamation from Andrea White, wife of Houston Mayor Bill White, and UNT alumni Warren Sneed, Shelley Carrol, and Everette Harp.
Andrew D'Angelo
Andrew D'Angelo, the prominent New York-based alto saxophonist, has been diagnosed with a brain tumor, and he does not have health insurance. The jazz community is encouraging donations to support his surgery and recovery. Andrew gave an electrifying performance at UNT as a member of Matt Wilson's quartet several years ago. We encourage readers to visit his site, learn more about his condition, and donate.
Claudia Quintet at the Syndicate April 8
The Claudia Quintet will play at the Syndicate starting at 9 p.m. on Tuesday, April 8, 2008. Cover charge is $8.
Claudia Quintet on MySpace
Kevin Mahogany is the guest artist for the Jazz Singers Spring Concert
Guest artist Kevin Mahogany will join the Jazz Singers for their Spring Concert, April 18th at 8:00 p.m. in Winspear Hall. Tickets are $7.00 and $5.00 and can be purchased online.
Mr. Mahogany will also present a masterclass on April 18th in Lab East (room 263) at 11:00 a.m., at no cost to those who attend.
Aponte, Eckels, Murphy to represent UNT Jazz in Peru
In a State Dept.-funded observance of Jazz Appreciation Month, UNT Afro-Cuban and Brazilian percussion instructor José Aponte, DMA candidate and former One O'Clock Lab Band bassist Jeffry Eckels, who currently teaches in Ecuador, and UNT Jazz Faculty member John Murphy will play concerts in Arequipa and Cusco and at the Lima Jazz Festival during the week of April 14. They'll also do some workshops at the festival. Former UNT jazz student Carolina Araoz, who lives in Lima, helped make this happen.
Lab Band Madness is here
All of the lab bands will perform.
It's the last Madness performance by Neil Slater and Jim Riggs as directors of the One and Two O'Clock Lab Bands, respectively.
Tuesday, April 15, 2008, 7 p.m.
Winspear Hall
Buy tickets online
Live at Blues Alley Double CD set now available for pre-order
Live at Blues Alley Double CD set $20.00 is NOW AVAILABLE FOR PRE-ORDER (CD Release Date: May 28, 2008)
In April, 2007, the One O'Clock Lab Band appeared in a three-night exclusive engagement at famed jazz club Blues Alley in Washington, D.C. Recorded to multi-track each night, this double live CD set captures the energy and excitement that took place during this special event.
Jimmy Giuffre, jazz artist and UNT alumnus
We note with sadness the passing of composer, clarinetist, and multi-instrumentalist Jimmy Giuffre, who earned a music degree at North Texas State Teachers College in 1942.
Two O'Clock Lab Band wins Down Beat Award
The Two O'Clock Lab Band, directed by Jim Riggs, is the College Winner in the Big Band category in the 2008 Down Beat Magazine Student Music Awards. Congratulations to Jim and his students!!
Hildegunn Gjedrem wins Down Beat Award
Current graduate student, vocalist, composer, and arranger Hildegunn Gjedrem's arrangement of "What'll I Do" won a Down Beat Student Music Award for Jazz Arrangement. Congratulations, Hildegunn!
Denton music scene featured in the New York Times
It leaves out the jazz scene, but it's still worth reading:
John Leadbetter and Bradford Danho, students of James Riggs, win honors
Saxophonist John Leadbetter, currently lead alto in the One O'Clock Lab Band, won first place in the 2008 North American Saxophone Alliance Jazz Saxophone Competition.
Saxophonist and alumnus Bradford Danho, a former member of the One O'Clock Lab Band, has won a position in the "Pershing's Own" Army Field Band - Jazz Ambassadors.
Congratulations to them both and to their teacher, Jim Riggs!
Alumnus Eric Morones releases CD
Saxophonist and alumnus Eric Morones, former member of the Two O'Clock Lab Band who can be heard on the Tribute To Benny Carter CD, has just released a CD, entitled About Time!, on Arabesque Records. Since leaving UNT in 1999, he moved to Los Angeles, where he plays lead alto for the Brian Setzer Orchestra, has recorded for several indie films, and has published three books, 101 Saxophone Tips, 25 Great Sax Solos, and The Best of Paul Desmond, with Hal Leonard Publishing. Further information: ericmorones.com |
Save the Dates: Events to Honor Neil Slater, James Riggs, and Paris Rutherford scheduled for 2008-2009
Neil Slater, director of the One O'Clock Lab Band and Chair of the Jazz Studies Division, and James Riggs, director of the Two O'Clock Lab Band and Professor of Saxophone, will retire after the 2007-2008 academic year. Paris Rutherford, Professor of Jazz Arranging and director of the Jazz Singers, will retire after the 2008-2009 academic year.
An event to honor the achievements of Neil Slater and James Riggs has been scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 22, 2008. On that date, in the UNT Coliseum, there will be a pre-concert dinner and commemorative program, a concert by alumni big bands and the current One and Two O'Clock Lab Bands, and a post-concert jam session. This event will take the place of the annual Fall Concert by the One O'Clock Lab Band in the fall concert calendar.
"30 Years of Vocal Jazz," a celebration of Paris Rutherford's dedication to vocal jazz at UNT, has been scheduled for Saturday, May 2, 2009 in Winspear Hall. All who have participated in Jazz Singers are invited to celebrate this weekend event.
Details on ticket prices and alumni participation for the Nov. 2008 event are available on the event home page. Ticket sales have not started yet.
Proceeds and donations from both events will help us establish jazz studies endowed scholarship funds in honor of Profs. Slater, Riggs, and Rutherford.
For further information, contact Darla Mayes at (940) 565-3743 or Darla.Mayes@unt.edu, and follow the updates on this site.
Brad Leali joins UNT Jazz Studies Faculty
Brad Leali has joined the UNT Jazz Studies faculty and will begin teaching in fall 2008. He will teach applied jazz saxophone and direct the Three O'Clock Lab Band. His performance credits include the Count Basie Orchestra (with a Grammy nomination for his solo on "The Star-Crossed Lovers"), the Harry Connick, Jr. Orchestra, and a wide variety of collaborations with Freddie Hubbard, Clark Terry, Joe Williams, Jimmy Cobb, The Mingus Big Band, and many others; associations with the Kennedy Center and Lincoln Center; and a CD entitled Maria Juanez. Brad has been directing the Jazz Program at Texas Tech University. He was a member of the One O'Clock Lab Band while earning his undergraduate degree in music education at UNT, and later earned a master's degree at Rutgers University.
Brad can be reached at Brad.Leali@unt.edu.
See also:
www.bradleali.com
www.myspace.com/bradleali
Nobody's Business, student group, releases CD
Nobody's Business, a group made of up current students led by Teriver Cheung, has released its debut CD, Forward Momentum. From the release:
"Nobody's Business is a collaboration of musicians from diverse cultural and artistic backgrounds. In this debut album Forward Momentum, the band collectively seeks to push the envelope while preserving the integrity of our individual musical roots. The result is a unique fusion that combines modern grooves with the passionate risk-taking of improvised music. Forward Momentum sets no limits and takes no prisoners. Thanks for listening."
Further information:
www.myspace.com/nobodysbusinessgroup
music@nobodysbusinessgroup.com
cdbaby.com/cd/nobodysbusiness
International Songwriting Competition
Opportunity for Jazz Studies students:
Four Nights of Jazz
Four Nights of Jazz
Open to the Public
No Charge
UNT Jazz Trumpet and Trombone Workshop
Faculty Concerts
Mon June 16, Tues June 17, Wed June 18 and Thurs June 19
Kenton Hall – UNT College of Music
All Concerts begin 7:30 PM
Monday and Thursday – Big Band
Tuesday and Wednesday – Combo
Featuring the UNT Jazz Trumpet and Trombone Workshop Faculty:
Rodney Booth, Jay Saunders and Mike Steinel on Trumpet
Steve Wiest and Tony Baker on Trombone
And very special guests including:
Keith Jourdan, Dan Evans, Ken Edwards, James Blackwell, Ed Soph, Fred Hamilton, Jim Riggs, John Murphy, Mario Cruz, Chris Bullock, Chris Mike, Ross Pederson, Jiri Levicek, Carl Hillman, Victor Baranco, and more...
Changes in the Jazz Studies Division
In talking with colleagues and alumni about all the changes happening in the Jazz Studies division, I've found that there's a need to get more accurate information into circulation.
During the 2008-09 academic year, Steve Wiest will serve as interim director of the One O'Clock Lab Band. I will serve as interim division chair.
Starting in fall 2008, Jay Saunders will direct the Two O'Clock Lab Band, and Brad Leali will direct the Three O'Clock Lab Band.
Information about upcoming searches will be posted on this site as well as in the usual academic places.
If you have any questions about what's happening in the division, feel free to contact me by phone or email.
As jazz musicians, we're comfortable with changes. We hope you are, too.
John Murphy
Paris Rutherford publishes "The Vocal Jazz Ensemble"
Paris Rutherford's new book The Vocal Jazz Ensemble has just been released by Hal Leonard Publications. This book covers every facet of the jazz choir (vocal jazz ensemble) including rehearsal techniques and interpretation, soloist issues, the rhythm section, the sound system, and programming.
Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis comes to Bass Hall - Student discounts available
Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis, 8 p.m.
Monday, July 14, Bass Performance Hall
25% off for students with valid ID
25% off for staff and faculty
Available online, over the phone or in person
817-212-4280 or www.basshall.com
NT Daily feature on Neil Slater and the One O'Clock Band's European Tour
Follow the One O'Clock Lab Band on tour
The One O'Clock Lab Band, directed by Neil Slater, will tour the major European jazz festivals between July 3 and July 23.
You can follow the tour here: unt.edu/jazzeurope.
Jazz Repertory Ensemble plays at the Crested Butte Music Festival
The Jazz Repertory Ensemble, directed by John Murphy, has just returned from a trip to the Crested Butte Music Festival. The group played a concert of big band swing, a concert of patriotic music, and a small-group jazz party, and played in the Fourth of July parade. Personnel: Matt Moore, Brian Stark, Preston Cummins, John Murphy, saxophones; Tyler Mire, Mike Shields, Shane Walden, trumpets; Josh Walley, Alex Dubrov, trombones; Sasha Tuck, vocal; Carolina Calvache Narvaez, piano; Ulrik Merstrand, guitar; Willie Wrinkle, bass; Brendan O'Neill, drums.
Alumnus Bubba Hernandez releases CD
Bassist and alumnus Bubba Hernandez has released the CD Dancing en Fuego, which he describes as "Fiery Bilingual Cumbia-based Latin Pop Rock Songs of Intrigue, Naughtiness, Heartbreak and Other Steamy Delights." For more information: http://bubbahernandez.com/
Photos from Paris Rutherford's Vocal Jazz Workshop in June 2008
Photos can be found on this site and also here.
Ishii, Karlsson to play with Freddie Hubbard in Ft. Worth: UPDATE: CANCELLED
Alumnus and saxophonist Tim Ishii and faculty member Stefan Karlsson will play with Freddie Hubbard at his two-night engagement at the Scat Jazz Lounge in Ft. Worth on July 18 and 19, 2008. Ishii is on the faculty at UT-Arlington. Completing the group are drummer Adonis Rose and [anybody know who will play bass?].
This just in on July 17 at 6:30 CDT: Freddie Hubbard's participation in this weekend's shows is now cancelled. I received this information in an email from the Scat Lounge's ticket service:
"Dear Front Gate Tickets' Customers,
We regret to inform you that the Freddie Hubbard shows at the Scat Lounge in Ft. Worth have been canceled.
If tickets were purchased by credit card, they will be automatically refunded for the price of the ticket(s). This may take up to 72 hours for this refund to post to your account.
Scat Jazz Lounge is still going to have a show featuring local jazz musician Adonis Rose, and admission will just be available at the door.
Feel free to call us at the number below if you have any questions. We apologize for the inconvenience.
Regards,
Front Gate Tickets"
Rosana Eckert is on tour with the New York Voices
Faculty member Rosana Eckert is touring now as part of the New York Voices in Spain, France, Italy, and Germany. Darmon Meader of New York Voices called her to substitute three days before she was to depart for a week of the Jamey Aebersold clinic, during which time she learned, memorized, and internalized 18 charts for the tour. Congratulations, Rosana!
Ed Soph, Jazz Ambassador
A New York Times photo essay on jazz musicians as ambassadors for the U.S. during the Cold Way includes this photo of Ed Soph playing with Clark Terry and his Jolly Giants at the Pakistan American Cultural Center in Karachi, Pakistan in 1978.
(L TO R:) Clark Terry, trumpet; Victor Sproles, bass; Ed Soph, drums; Chris Woods, alto saxophone.
Link to photo essay
The photo essay accompanies the article by Fred Kaplan, "When Ambassadors Had Rhythm," which appeared in the June 29, 2008 New York Times.
Attention Jazz Studies grad students: course suggestion
Those of you who envision yourselves as future college professors will find Dr. Warren Henry's course College Music Teaching (MUED 6580) very useful. It will be taught this fall on Tuesdays from 5-7:50 p.m. It's a doctoral level course but is open to master's students. Topics include:
The University “Ecosystem”
The College of Music “Ecosystem”
Effective Teaching
Current Issues in Higher Education (non-music and music)
Promotion and Tenure
CVs
Interviews
Students submit articles for publication (many have been published), prepare professional presentations, and do a video conference with the parallel class at the Eastman School of Music (with our dean and their dean).
Mike Steinel and Instruments of Change
Mike Steinel and members of his family are about to travel to Kimberly, South Africa to begin their project Instruments of Change, which will provide musical instruments and instruction in communities that wouldn't otherwise have access to them. Mike provided this update about the project:
Our recent Denton concert and visits to churches in Marion, Kansas have resulted in over $7000 in donated instruments and over $4000 in funds. The generosity of the Denton musical community has been overwhelming. GIA, Hal Leonard, Hohner, Penders Music, and Mardels have all provided donated or discounted materials and we are very grateful for that. A special thanks must be given to Ann McMillan who has helped out appraising, cleaning and refurbishing instruments. So far 15 boxes of instruments have been mailed and more are going out this week. So far it looks as if we will have students playing recorders (120), melodicas (20), keyboard (3), guitar (6), trumpet (8), clarinet (8), flute (7), alto saxophone (6), drumset (1), snare drum (3). We can’t wait to see the faces of those students as they get their instruments.
We still have some special needs. Postage has been extremely expensive (over $2000 so far) and we could use funds. If you wish to donate you may make checks to the Covenant Children, Inc. (the parent charity for Instruments of Change®).
Note: no donated funds will be used for travel expenses.
Here is a list of instruments and supplies we need to complete the job:
Drum throne
Cymbals (Hi Hat and Ride)
Cymbal Stand
Drum Practice Pads
Drum Sticks
Bach 7C Trumpet Mouthpieces
Boxes of Clarinet and Saxophone Reeds ($27.50 a box)
Valve Oil
Woodwind Cleaning Kits
Mouthpiece Brushes
Trumpet Cleaning Snakes
If you would like to donate instruments or supplies please contact me at
or 940-565-3758.
Thank you,
Mike Steinel
"A Jazz Icon's Swan Song": Neil Slater featured on Chronicle TV
I think this is intended to accompany an article in the Chronicle of Higher Education. I've searched the Chronicle's site and didn't find it. --JM
CDs on Sale in August and September
Until Oct. 1, our CDs are on sale in the following categories:
All single CDs: $10
Lab 2007 and double CDs: $15
Live in Thailand CD/DVD: $20
50 Years of UNT Jazz: $25
See the recordings page for more information.
Kenton Hall now has new seats
On August 13 and 14, 2008, a crew from Wolfe Installation in Houston installed new seats in Kenton Hall.
(L to R:) Devin, Carlos, Michael, Joe, Efren, Juan, Miguel
more photos
Idit Shner releases CD
Saxophonist and alumna Idit Shner has released a CD entitled Tuesday's Blues, on which she is joined by Stefan Karlsson and UNT alumni Mike League and Steve Pruitt.
To read more about the CD and find sound clips and purchasing options, go here. For performance schedule, go to www.iditshner.com.
UNT College of Music acquires Maynard Ferguson Music Library
UNT Press Release:
DENTON (UNT), Texas -- A consortium of donors has purchased the estate of jazz legend Maynard Ferguson and will bring it to North Texas. The Ferguson music library will reside at the University of North Texas College of Music and the memorabilia, acquired by the Collins-Binkley Foundation, will be housed in a Denton-based museum run by the Foundation. The intent of the consortium is to ensure that the students of the nation's first jazz program will benefit from the compositions and arrangements, as well as the historic preservation and display of the jazz memorabilia.
The Maynard Ferguson Music Library covers Ferguson's career from the mid-1950s until his death in 2006 and features works by influential composers and arrangers in modern jazz history, including Mike Abene, Slide Hampton, Bill Holman, Willie Maiden, Marty Paich and Don Sebesky.
The collection is expected to be delivered to UNT in August.
"The Maynard Ferguson library represents the written music of one of the most amazing and long-lived careers in jazz history," said Steve Wiest, an associate professor of music at UNT and interim director of the UNT One O'Clock Lab Band.
"One of the most exciting aspects of this acquisition is that the One O'Clock and other ensembles will have the opportunity to perform the music and to keep Ferguson's legacy alive," said Wiest, a former UNT One O'Clock Lab Band member who was a featured trombonist and arranger for Ferguson's band from 1981 to 1986. "As a member of Maynard's musical family, it is doubly sweet for me to see this collection find a home here at UNT. Over the years Maynard hired many UNT musicians in his bands, and I know that he would be thrilled to see his music placed here and brought to life by our talented students on a regular basis."
The library will complement the UNT jazz program's collection, which also includes the Stan Kenton Library. Kenton, a famed jazz orchestra leader, gave UNT a collection of arrangements in 1962 and bequeathed the remainder of his collection to UNT in 1979.
"With the Stan Kenton Library already in place here at UNT, it was a natural choice to include Maynard's book as well," Wiest said. "Stan's band was where the music world first really got to hear Maynard, and I know he considered Stan to be a mentor."
The Maynard Ferguson Music Library consists of 400 pieces, including works from the critically acclaimed all-star group The Birdland Dream Band, which performed at New York's Birdland jazz club; material from "The English Band;" Grammy-nominated music from Conquistador, which included the hit "Gonna Fly Now" from the Rocky movie; recordings of the 1970s; "small big band" work in the 1980s and 90s; the fusion group of the late 1980's High Voltage, material from the band Big Bop Nouveau; and works from his final Grammy-nominated CD of 2006, "The One and Only."
"I'm excited about having this music here and grateful for the gifts that made it possible," said Dr. John Murphy, interim chair of jazz studies at UNT. "It will give all of us a chance to get to know these great charts better."
Kim Ferguson Exon, Maynard Ferguson's daughter, said UNT "was one of Maynard's favorite schools, always delivering some of the best musicians."
"The Ferguson family is thrilled to see Maynard's library being launched for a second career where others will have the opportunity to study, experience and perform the charts that were the identity of Maynard Ferguson, and continue the legacy of a man who brought tremendous joy to the world with his infectious power and passion for life," she said.
James Scott, Dean of the College of Music adds, "Our jazz program is world-renowned for its highly professional performance standards and for its cutting-edge new music. With the Kenton collection and now the Ferguson collection receiving the attention of our ensembles and researchers, we look forward to being just as well known for our work in the preservation of artistic traditions such as those of Kenton and Ferguson. Having the original music here gives us the chance to maintain a special identity with these legends of the jazz world."
Sebastian Whittaker, Bruce Saunders at the Syndicate Sept. 2
Guest artists Sebastian Whittaker (drums) and Bruce Saunders (guitar) will play at the Syndicate on Sept. 2 starting at 9 p.m. They'll be joined by Stefan Karlsson (piano), Shelly Carroll (tenor), and Lynn Seaton (bass). Cover charge is $7.
Jake Hanlon has a teaching position
Guitarist and recent Jazz Studies M.M. graduate Jake Hanlon will be teaching guitar and ensembles at St. Francis Xavier University in Antigonish, NS, Canada. Congratulations, Jake!
Things will be different at the Syndicate
Starting this semester, things will be different at the Syndicate.
The focus will be where it belongs: on the music. The Syndicate is now a listening room. While the small groups and big bands are playing, we’ll listen. No talking, no yelling. Talk between tunes, on the breaks, or outside. Bands will be able to program whatever they want because they know they will be heard. We know this is possible because this is how guest artists are treated. It’s time to give that same respect to your student peers.
—The UNT Jazz Studies Faculty
download the poster
Street View comes to Denton
Google Maps Street View has made it to Denton. You know what that means, right? You can look up the addresses of your old student rentals to see whether your hopes have been realized, or whether the places are still standing.
The Ferguson library acquisition covered by the Denton Record-Chronicle
The article by Candace Carlisle includes two photos.
Murphy publishes second book on Brazilian music
detail of cover
Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil (AP)--The academic world was shocked to learn here recently that readers other than the author's doctoral committee might be interested in a doctoral dissertation in ethnomusicology, 14 years after its completion. The university press of the Federal University of Minas Gerais has published John Murphy's 1994 Columbia University dissertation on the Brazilian folk genre cavalo-marinho in a Portuguese translation by André Bueno, with a new introduction by Murphy. The print run is only 1,000, so act fast.
What the webmaster is listening to on Sunday Sept. 7
The streaming audio from Esperanza Spalding's set at the J&R Music Festival on WBGO (Via DJA, thanks Darcy); three tracks from Aaron Parks's Invisible Cinema as played in an NPR session; Donny McCaslin's Recommended Tools at Greenleaf Music.
Oso Closo, a band that includes UNT jazz students, is performing "Tommy" at the Dallas Theater Center
Link to the NT Daily article to read about how Chris McQueen, Lindsey Miller, Andy Rogers, Adrian Hulet, and Ryan Jacobi rose to the challenge of making "Tommy" their own. Here's a Dallas Morning News article.
Benefit for Bach Norwood
A benefit on Sept. 5, 2008 for UNT jazz student Bach Norwood's medical expenses raised more than $3600.
Jazz Pedagogy: A Canadian Perspective
This book is being published as an ArtistShare project. We've had many excellent students from Canada. Found this link at Darcy James Argue's blog.
Gilberto Contreras releases "September Rain Shower"
Guitarist and current student Gilberto Contreras has released the CD "September Rain Shower." You can sample and buy tracks here.
Alejandro Flórez releases "Tibaguí"
Guitarist and jazz master's alumnus Alejandro Flórez, now based in New York, has released the CD "Tibaguí." For more information visit alejandroflorez.com. Alejandro and wife Jennifer (also a UNT jazz alumna) are the proud parents of baby Miguel Antonio, born last February.
Faculty search announcements are now available
The position descriptions for our searches for Director of the One O'Clock Lab Band and Vocal Jazz and Arranging are now available. They are linked prominently at the top left of the main page.
October Down Beat features Neil Slater and alumni Tony Scherr and Jeff Coffin
In the October 2008 Down Beat, Michael Point profiles Neil Slater. Alumnus Tony Scherr is pictured on the cover as part of the Bill Frisell trio and written about in the cover story by Ted Panken, and alumnus Jeff Coffin is profiled by Jason Koransky. Alumnus Kerry Marsh is pictured on p. 103.
Lynn Seaton to receive Sammons Jazz Artist of the Year award
Lynn Seaton will receive the Jazz Artist of the Year award from the Sammons Jazz Series in Dallas on Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2008. Read more in Lucinda Breeding's article in the Denton Record-Chronicle and the UNT news service story.
Steve Turre pays Tribute to Marchel Ivery
Trombonist Steve Turre will play in a tribute to Marchel Ivery and benefit for Ivery's family on Sunday, Sept. 14, 2008 at Sandaga Jazz, 1325 E. Levee St., Dallas TX 75207, starting at 8 p.m. Admission/contribution is $25. He'll be joined by jazz faculty member Brad Leali (alto), alumni Shelley Carrol (tenor), Kelly Durbin (piano), and Andrew Griffith (drums), and Lyles West (bass).
Jim Snidero releases Tippin'
Saxophonist and alumnus Jim Snidero's new CD release Tippin' is reviewed at allaboutjazz.com by Ken Dryden.
The website www.mydentonmusic.com, managed by UNT alum Tony Spiro, sponsored in part by UNT students Graham & Dave Richards, provides information about Denton music events.
One O'Clock Lab Band featured in Denton Record-Chronicle
Here's the article and video interviews with Steve Wiest, Luke Brimhall, and Ben Haugland.
Pt. Tarun Bhattacharya to perform on Sept. 24
Pt. Tarun Bhattacharya, santoor maestro, and Tabla Virtuoso Abhishek Basu will give a concert on Wednesday, September 24, at 8:00pm in the UNT College of Music Recital Hall.
Free Admission for UNT Students, Staff and Faculty
$15 for General Public
Pt. Bhattacharya is the only Santoor Maestro of the famous Maihar Gharana, the Gharana created by Baba Allauddin Khan Sahab and propagated by legends like Pandit Ravi Shankar and Ustad Ali Akhbar Khan.
[Ed. note: "Pt." is an abbreviation of pandit, learned man, an honorific for a distinguished teacher. It is the source of the English "pundit."]
PDF of poster
Official Texas Jazz Orchestra plays in Lewisville on September 29
Come out for a fun night of big band celebration!
The Official Texas Jazz Orchestra
Monday, Sept. 29, 2008, 7-9:30 p.m.
Tierney's Café and Tavern
208 E. Main Street
Lewisville, TX (972) 353-2109
Saxophones: Jim Riggs, John Murphy, Randy lee, Chris McGuire, Pete Brewer
Trumpets: Jay Saunders, Keith Jourdan, Jack Evans, Rodney Booth, Mike Steinel
Trombones: Tony Baker, Steve Wiest, Chris Seiter, John Allen
Rhythm: Dave Zoller, piano; Lynn Seaton, bass; Ed Soph, drums
In Lewisville, exit off I-35 at Main St. (1171). Go east on Main St. approx. one mile. Just past Mill St., Tierney's Café and Tavern is on the right side.
"Ask 1, Ask 2..." explained
If you received a mailing from the College of Music about the event to honor Neil Slater and Jim Riggs and were mystified by the notation "Ask 1, Ask 2" next to the musical notation on the donor card, you are not alone. Next to the musical notation should have been suggested dollar amounts of donations. This is the result of a printing error. The letter is being reprinted and remailed. This is what it should have looked like. Some of the mailings showed fewer amounts. --John Murphy
Nov. 22 event: Alumni bands updated; tickets on sale Sept. 24
The page that lists alumni band members so far for the Nov. 22 event has been updated.
Tickets will go on sale on Sept. 24. The $60 and $20 tickets will be sold by the Jazz Studies office. The $15 and $10($5 with student ID) tickets will be sold by the University Union box office. Complete information, including the numbers for credit card/will call sales, will be posted by Sept. 24.
The Road
No, not the Cormac McCarthy novel, it's the Rhythm Road American Music Abroad program. Brian Girley suggested that you should check it out:
Video on James Riggs and Neil Slater
This video was made by UNT students David Minton, Michael Clements, and Donald Mooney. It was recorded at the spring 2008 lab band concert. It's posted here and on our youtube channel by permission.
One O'Clock Lab Band at UT-Dallas Sept. 26, 2008
The One O’Clock Lab Band, directed by Steve Wiest, will play a concert at UT-Dallas on Friday, September 26, 2008 at 8:00 p.m. at the UT-D Conference Center. Admission is $20, free for UTD students with ID.
One O'Clock Lab Band plays music of Maynard Ferguson in Ft. Worth Oct. 17
View the poster. Read the Denton Record-Chronicle article.
From the UNT press release:
UNT pays tribute to Maynard Ferguson in Fort Worth event
What: "Dreaming of Birdland"
The University of North Texas One O'Clock Lab Band's Tribute to Maynard Ferguson
Featuring music from the newly acquired Maynard Ferguson Music Library
When: 7:30 p.m. and 10 p.m. Oct. 17 (Friday)
Where: McDavid Studio, adjacent to Bass Performance Hall, 301 E. 5th St. in Fort Worth
Cost: $30
Contact: For tickets, visit www.basshall.com.
DENTON (UNT), Texas ? The world-renowned University of North Texas One O’Clock Lab Band will present music from the Maynard Ferguson Music Library for the first time since acquiring the historic collection in August.
"Dreaming of Birdland:" The UNT One O’Clock Lab Band’s Tribute to Maynard Ferguson, will take place at 7:30 p.m. and 10 p.m. Oct. 17 (Friday) at McDavid Studio, adjacent to Bass Performance Hall, 301 E. 5th St. in Fort Worth. Tickets are $30 and available by visiting www.basshall.com.
“In many cases, it will be the first time this music has been performed since Maynard’s groups performed it in the late 1950s and early 1960s,” said Steve Wiest, interim director of the UNT One O’Clock Lab Band and a member of Ferguson’s band from 1981 to 1986. “Back then, this music was considered ‘cutting edge’ and super-exciting. Today, it still feels the same and has stood the test of time that defines any great work of art.”
New York trumpeter Craig Johnson, who played lead trumpet with Ferguson in the 1990s and in the UNT One O’Clock Band in the 1980s, will be featured as a guest artist on pieces from the Birdland Dream Band era. Former One O'Clock Lab Band lead trumpet soloist and Los Angeles-area musician Pete DeSiena will perform on several pieces, including Tenderly, an arrangement he recorded with the One O'Clock Lab Band on Lab 2001. Also appearing as a guest artist will be Stockton Helbing, a drummer in the One O'Clock Lab Band in the early 2000s who went on to become Ferguson’s drummer and final musical director. Stockton will reprise his performance on the Grammy-nominated arrangement of Besame Mucho, among other works.
The 400-piece Maynard Ferguson Music Library, acquired by UNT with the help of a donation, arrived on campus in August. The Maynard Ferguson Music Library covers Ferguson's career from the mid-1950s until his death in 2006 and features works by influential composers and arrangers in modern jazz history, including Mike Abene, Slide Hampton, Bill Holman, Willie Maiden, Marty Paich and Don Sebesky. The library complements the UNT jazz program's collection, which also includes the Stan Kenton Library. Kenton, a famed jazz orchestra leader, gave UNT a collection of arrangements in 1962 and bequeathed the remainder of his collection to UNT in 1979.
Tickets for the Nov. 22 celebration of Neil Slater and James Riggs are now on sale
This poster has all the details. Alumni are invited to contact the Jazz Studies office at (940) 565-3743 for ticket information that is specific to alumni.
Jim Riggs, Noticer
North Texas Jazz Alumni: We Need Your Videos!
Bob Dorough to be featured at Floyd Graham Society annual meeting on Oct. 25, 2008
Here's all you need to know:
Event: Floyd Graham Society annual meeting
Day: Sat., Oct. 25
Time: 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
Place: University Union, UNT campus
Program: BOB DOROUGH
Dancing: Yes! To the Aces of Collegeland big band, Jack Rumbley, director
Reservations: Required. Due by 5 p.m., Wed., Oct. 22.
Payment: $30/person. In advance. Includes a seated luncheon.
VISA/MC number/expiration via fax to 940-891-0690 or via phone to 940-387-9068.
Charge will appear on statement as Graham Public Relations.
Checks: Mail to Floyd Graham Society, 815 Ector, Denton, Texas 76201
Paypal to gpr1@earthlink.net (that's g-p-r-numeral one)
Steve Wiest and faculty colleagues release "Out of the New"
Steve Wiest's new CD "Out of the New" features his trombone playing and arrangements. He's joined on it by Fred Hamilton, guitar; Stefan Karlsson, piano; Lynn Seaton, bass; and Ed Soph, drums. It's available at iTunes or from Arabesque Recordings.
"The idea behind this project," Steve explains, "was to find unusual modern source material – the more unusual the better, I suppose – with the idea that modern pop music and modern rock music, and songs from Broadway and TV, can also be good material for jazz. I then wanted to approach these new tunes in the same way that jazz musicians have been rewriting and recomposing the old standards for years: often going in completely different directions from the original for the sake of creative variation (such as taking 'On Green Dolphin Street,' which was originally a slow, hypnotic ballad and turning it into an up-tempo exciting samba/straight ahead vehicle). While the Great American Songbook is by no means tapped-out, I had a great time finding new directions and fresh formats with this new material."
Neil Slater and the One O'Clock Lab Band's European tour featured in the North Texan magazine
Here's the link.
Rare photo of Blair Fix discovered in UNT library book
When I checked out "The Last Samurai," a fascinating novel by Helen DeWitt, in September 2008, I found the photo above, which includes UNT jazz alumnus and drummer Blair Fix (standing at the right side of the group of musicians), in the book. Reached in Toronto for comment by email, Blair replied: "That's pretty funny. This picture was taken when I was in the Motown band at Six Flags over Texas in the summer of 2003. I had to be at Six Flags for about nine hours each day, six days a week, but we only played about 2.5 hours per day, so I had a lot of time on my hands. I definitely read that book in the cast trailer. You can put that on the website if you want. It is a great book, but not what I expected. This was around the time that Tom Cruise had a movie out by that name, and I was expecting the same story...what I got was much more interesting. It's kind of funny that no one has read that book since then." The novel deals with the search for his father by a single mother's son; both of them are obsessed with language and, to a lesser extent, music; and Kurosawa's "Seven Samurai" plays a crucial role throughout.--J.M.
New release by alumnus David Weiss and the New Jazz Composers Octet
Trumpeter, composer, and alumnus David Weiss and the New Jazz Composers Octet have released their third recording, The Turning Gate, on the Motéma Music label. It's their first release on this label. Read the profile by Laurel Gross at allaboutjazz.com and visit the band's page at Motéma.
Mike Williams is attending the Nov. 22 event and sent some photos
Justin Cash adds recording chops to his guitar chops
Since he completed his M.M. in Jazz Studies, guitarist Justin Cash has developed some serious home-studio chops to match his guitar chops. Initially inspired by his research paper for MUJS 5440, he ran with the idea of becoming a studio guitarist/producer. In addition to playing a wide variety of studio sessions in Dallas, he has performed on and helped compose TV music for Home Depot, Sierra Mist, Taco Cabana, as well as various radio stations across the country.
play the demo (.mp3)
Neal Hefti (1922-2008)
We note with sadness the passing of Neal Hefti, whose music has long resounded on our rehearsal halls. See the obituaries at the New York Times, Los Angeles Times and the Washington Post.
Preview the One O'Clock Lab Band's Oct. 17 program on Oct. 16
On Thursday, Oct. 16 the One O'Clock Lab band will hold an open rehearsal from 4pm-6pm in Kenton Hall with special guests Pete DeSiena, Craig Johnson and Stockton Helbing, in preparation for the Oct. 17 concert at McDavid Studio in Ft. Worth.
Rotondi, Danielsson featured in NPR story
This NPR story features alumni Jim Rotondi, in the group One For All with Eric Alexander, and Per Danielsson of the University of Central Florida, who played in a faculty group on the UCF Jazz Festival along with One For All.
Two-part profile of Conrad Herwig
Steven Cerra profiles Conrad Herwig:
UNT filmmaker seeks musicians who have chosen other professions
UNT filmmaker Ivana Corsale would like to interview people in the Denton-Dallas-Ft. Worth area who trained to be musicians and then opted for a profession other than music. This could include people who continue to play professionally, people who have stopped playing completely, or anything in between. Ivana can be reached at ivana.corsale@gmail.com.
"What I Learned at my Record Label Job" by alumnus Cameron Mizell
Guitarist and alumnus Cameron Mizell writes about his time at Verve and how he uses what he learned there in his work as a musician.
North Texas Jazz Legends: Neil Slater and James Riggs
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Our Fall concert normally happens on the Tuesday before Thanksgiving. THIS EVENT is our Fall Concert this year. |
The event home page is the complete source for information about the North Texas Jazz Legends event November 22, 2008. If you have any questions about the event, please contact Darla Mayes at darla.mayes@unt.edu.
Tickets are now on sale
On sale at the Union box office | On sale at the Jazz Studies office (Music 284) |
lower tier seating, outside sections, $15 upper tier seating, $10 ($5 with student ID, limit 2 per ID |
lower tier seating, central sections, $20 floor seating at tables, includes dinner, $60 |
Credit card sales by phone: (940) 565-3805 | Credit card sales by phone: (940) 565-3743 and all Jazz Studies alumni ticket sales and all Group ticket sales |
This poster has all the details. Alumni are invited to contact the Jazz Studies office at (940) 565-3743 for ticket information that is specific to alumni.
Eddie Gomez, Duduka da Fonseca, and Stefan Karlsson at Syndicate 10/28
Each fall, the jazz small group program, directed by Stefan Karlsson, welcomes a guest artist. This year's guest artist is Eddie Gomez. Here with Eddie is Brazilian drumset artist Duduka da Fonseca, a regular member of his trio along with Stefan Karlsson. They will play at the Syndicate with Stefan Karlsson and John Murphy on Tuesday, 10/28 starting at 9 p.m. Duduka da Fonseca will be a guest artist on the Oct. 29 concert by the Brazilian, Afro-Cuban, and Latin Ensembles, directed by José Aponte, which starts at 8 p.m. in the Concert Hall.
Nobody's Business is touring Japan and Hong Kong
Nobody's Business, a group made up of current students, Teriver Cheung (guitar; from Hong Kong), Roberto Verastegui (piano, from Monterrey, Mexico), Colin Hinton (drums, from Dallas), and alumnus Evan Weiss (trumpet, from Seattle) will tour Japan and Hong Kong between Oct. 30 and Nov. 8, 2008. In December the band will play in Monterrey, Mexico. There will be a fundraiser for that trip on Nov. 14 at the Syndicate, at which a faculty small group will perform along with Nobody's Business.
Ryan Davidson's gig story
"Back Water Blues"
The Three O'Clock Lab Band, directed by Prof. Brad Leali, with Melissa McMillan, vocal, Oct. 29, 2008. Soloists: Derek J. Molacek, Chris Reza, Peter Brewer, and Hajime Yoshida. Arrangement (and youtube link): Derek Molacek.
Jim Riggs at Birdland, 1959
This is a sample of what you can expect to see during the program on Nov. 22.
Making of Lab 2004
Making of Lab 2004 from northtexasjazz on Vimeo.
Video shot at the Lab 2004 session by John Murphy. The tune is "AWJ" by Ji-Young Lee.
UNT jazz alumni Landon Mattox and Andrew Page collaborate in China
Landon Mattox and Andrew Page have a new collaborative project: Landon writes: "We're calling it Crossroads: the 2008 Xinghai International Jazz Concert and Masterclasses. It's from November 16th to the 19th. The concert will include myself on guitar; Andrew Page on piano; a sax player from New York, Adam Kielman; a bassist from Manhattan Conservatory who is the principal bass in the Guangzhou symphony orchestra; Gabriel Katz, the top studio and professional drummer in Taiwan; Rafael Lee and another percussionist who is the dean of the percussion department at Xinghai and USC and Julliard alumnus, Anthony Gonzalez. Andrew and Rafael will teach masterclasses on Nov 17th and 18th, Rafael will give a drum set clinic on Nov. 16th. The three of us will give an open lecture on Nov. 19th and do the concert that night. My goal to play the Shanghai and Beijing jazz festivals next year or maybe just one. I hope they want us. If not, maybe I can try to organize the first Guangzhou jazz festival. Here's a recent photo of our gig with me, Adam Kielman, Gabriel Katz and Chris Martin who is a blues guitarist and singer from San Francisco. We play that gig every night, 7 days a week. It's mostly blues and funk with a touch of reggae and pop." Here's the concert poster.
Miguel Zenon to play Nov. 14 at Univ. of Central Oklahoma
Grad student Steve Friel sends this news item: Alto saxophonist Miguel Zenon will play on Nov. 14 at the University of Central Oklahoma. Ticket information. Miguel Zenon usually plays in New York, NY (1,587 mi. from Denton). This is a chance to hear him in Edmond, OK (180 mi. from Denton).
Ed Soph receives PAS Lifetime Achievement in Education Award
Rufus Reid, 2007 Gomez artist, and Ed Soph rehearse on March 1, 2007
Ed Soph, Professor of Music, was presented with the Percussive Arts Society's Lifetime Achievement in Education Award at the Society's recent international convention. The award recognizes individuals "who have a sustained history of exceptional contribution to percussion education."
James C. Scott and Jiri Levicek to play recital in Florida
Jiri Levicek, former pianist in the One O'Clock Lab Band, will accompany College of Music Dean and flautist James C. Scott in a recital at The Bower School of Music at Florida Gulf Coast University on Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2008. Local press story
Lab 2008 and Live at Blues Alley are now available
The two newest releases by the One O'Clock Lab Band, Lab 2008 and Live at Blues Alley, will be available at our Nov. 22 event and at the CD release party on Tuesday, Nov. 25, 2008 from 9-12 at the Syndicate.
Trumpeter Justin Woodward finishes San Antonio Marathon--barefoot
Prospective students: ever wonder what sort of fellow students you'll meet if you come here? Will they be interesting people whose intense involvement in music is reflected in the rest of their lives? Here's an example: Justin Woodward, currently the Associate Lead Trumpet in the Two O'Clock Lab Band, finished the San Antonio Rock 'n' Roll Marathon yesterday--barefoot. Why barefoot? You'll have to ask Justin. But there's no denying that it's intense. Photo that includes the feet in question.
North Texas Jazz Legends video spot
Created by Corbin Perkins, Programming Director NTTV
it's beginning to sound a lot like fusion
download images to see them larger
Is it something in the air? Last night it was Fred Hamilton, Roberto Verastegui, Jacob Smith, and Colin Hinton playing the music of Tony Williams including "Emergency!" and "Red Alert." Tonight it was the Zebras, directed by Ben Haugland, playing music by Chick Corea including "Hymn to the Seventh Galaxy," "King Cockroach," and "Duel of the Jester and the Tyrant."
Jazz Singers II and III upcoming concerts
On Friday, Nov. 21, 2008, the Jazz Singers II, directed by Jennifer Escue, will present a concert at 6 p.m. in Kenton Hall. On Sunday, Nov. 23, 2008, the Jazz Singers III, directed by Hyo Choi, will present a concert at 6 p.m. in Kenton Hall. Both events are free and open to the public.
Jazz Singers perform at Booker T. Washington HSPVA on Nov. 18, 2008
The UNT Jazz Singers, directed by Paris Rutherford, presented a concert at the Booker T. Washington HSPVA in Dallas on Nov. 18, 2008.
Jazz Singers perform with Nancy King, Steve Christofferson
The UNT Jazz Singers, directed by Paris Rutherford, welcomed guest artists Nancy King and Steve Christofferson in their annual fall concert on Nov. 14, 2008. More photos
Jazz Repertory Ensemble plays Basie with Faculty guests artists
On Monday, Nov. 24, 2008 at 8 p.m. in the Concert Hall in the Music Building, the Jazz Repertory Ensemble, directed by Joe Janes, will present music by Count Basie with guest artists Lynn Seaton, Brad Leali, and Steve Wiest.
UNT jazz alumni network in action
DFW airport, Sunday Nov. 23. UNT jazz alumni Kevin Brunkhorst and Paul Tynan arrive at Air Canada in Terminal D to find that, while Travelocity thinks they are booked for their return to Halifax, from which they'll proceed to Music Mecca Antigonish, Nova Scotia, United Airlines, which is providing the U.S. leg of the journey, disagrees. They will have to travel tomorrow. Meanwhile, UNT jazz alumnus Michael League, waiting nearby to board a flight to New York for a gig, is learning that while he will be permitted to board, his electric bass in a soft case will not: it won't fit in the overheard bin and they refuse to store it in the coat closet at the entrance to the plane. What to do? Miss the gig? Leave the bass with the baggage service at the airport? He looks around, notices a guy with red shoes and a Klein guitar case, and says "Kevin Brunkhorst?" They hatch a plan to leave the bass at the home of your webmaster, where they are staying one more night (thereby passing the three-night limit and becoming eligible for chores around the house), to be picked up later. League can borrow a bass from UNT jazz alumnus and New York resident Matt Wigton and play his gig. When League picks up his bass back in Denton, he can also pick up the microphone that was left behind after a Snarky Puppy show at Northern Illinois University, where UNT jazz alumnus Rodrigo Villanueva teaches, which Villanueva, also staying at your webmaster's house (but still within the three-night limit and about to be picked up by UNT alumnus and faculty member Ed Soph for a ride to Love Field), will leave in a pocket of the bass case. The bass having been delivered into the care of Brunkhort and UNT alumnus and fellow St. Xavier University faculty member Paul Tynan (also staying with yrs truly; they will flip a coin for chores), current UNT jazz student and UNT van driver John Guari, after having dropped off UNT jazz alumni Tom Malone and Yumiko Sunami and former UNT jazz faculty member David Joyner (after having sorted out a temporary baggage problem involving one of them taking a bag belonging to another one but having been contacted before boarding--it was a carry-on--and making the switch of bags), was able to pick them up on that same trip and return them, after stopping for lunch in Flower Mound, to yrs truly's house to watch Los Vaqueros play the 49ers and consume entirely too much Boy Scout Caramel Popcorn before going to the 6 p.m. Jazz Singers III concert, which ended at 6:45, enabling them to catch the start of the two-hour special episode of "24" on channel 4, followed by chores. The UNT jazz alumni network in action!
UNT Music Library podcast features James Riggs
http://untmusiclibrary.podbean.com/
Music librarian Andrew Justice made a 33-minute podcast on the occasion of the North Texas Jazz Legends event as part of the Music Library's From the Archives series and linked it to the page above.
North Texas Jazz Legends guestbook
If you have thoughts about this past weekend's events you'd like to share on this site, you are welcome to use our guestbook. If it starts to fill up with spam or inappropriate messages, I'll have to delete it, but I'll save the messages from alumni first. Update on Nov. 26: it started to fill up with inappropriate text, so I saved the alumni messages and deleted it. Your comments are welcome via email or on our Facebook wall.--JM
Thanks Neil and Jim
After attending the Jazz Legends event at the UNT Coliseum honoring Neil Slater and Jim Riggs, I just wanted to reiterate my thanks to them. When I began teaching at UNT in 1989, the most amazing thing to me was that Neil really trusted his faculty to do their job. I had not experienced that level of trust in other schools or from other administrators. I was not interfered with, not observed and attended no meetings other than those that needed to happen. If I had to be gone for festivals or gigs, he knew I would take care of my lessons and classes and never dogged me about time away. His love of music and writing in particular was noticeable to everyone involved in the jazz studies program. I also liked his affection for blue jeans and blue jean jackets as opposed to coats and ties, which you only saw him wear for concerts or for meetings with upper administrators. Around the jazz side of the building, he was one of the cats.
Jim Riggs is so much fun to be around. Swinging, beautiful tone and absolutely in love with every aspect of jazz, he taught a lot of great saxophonists and gave them a path to a career. I always enjoy playing with Riggs. Whether I am playing bass or guitar, he is always positive and fun to play with. I miss both of these cats around UNT. Thanks Neil and Jim.
Adolfo Acosta and Tower of Power horns inspire high school students
Photo: Greg Derr/The Patriot Ledger. Used in accordance with Creative Commons license
This story from the Quincy, MA Patriot Ledger describes a high school clinic by UNT alumnus Adolfo Acosta and the rest of the Tower of Power horn section.
Steve Wiest to be featured artist at Elmhurst College Jazz Festival
Steve Wiest is one of the headliners at the 41st Elmhurst College Jazz Festival. See the festival site for more information.
RSS made easy
Google Analytics tells us that this site received 11,596 visits between Nov. 1 and Dec. 1, 2008. Google Reader tells us that this site has 21 subcribers who read the fresh content using Google Reader. Subtracting the 1 of those that corresponds to your webmaster, and then the remaining 20 from 11,596, yields 11,576 opportunities for people to learn how using an RSS feed reader like Google Reader can speed up your web browsing experience by bringing all of the new content at your favorite sites into one interface. This video explains how it's done.
Arbors holiday events
The linked PDF lists events promoted by Lisa Endicott, one of our Dallas publicity partners with whom we trade distribution of publicity about our events. Some of the dates have passed, but others have not.
Photo slideshow from Nov. 22, 2008 by alumnus Randy Honeycutt
Photo slideshow from Nov. 22, 2008 by alumnus Randy Honeycutt from northtexasjazz on Vimeo.
UNT jazz alumnus and saxophonist/clarinetist Randy Honeycutt took these photos at the Nov 22, 2008 and added a One O'Clock Lab Band soundtrack.
Source files: small version | larger version
Carlos "Fifo" Rengifo releases CD
Bassist and alumnus Carlos "Fifo" Rengifo and his band Citizens of the World have released the CD "Gente." For more information, see myspace.com/fifobass.
Steve Wiest's "Out of the New" CD receiving lots of airplay
"Out of the New," the new CD by Steve Wiest and fellow UNT jazz faculty members Stefan Karlsson, Fred Hamilton, Lynn Seaton, and Ed Soph on Arabesque Recordings, is no. 64 on this week's Jazz Radio Report. Bob Bernotas of WNTI in New Jersey includes it in his top ten jazz CDs of 2008. Here's an excerpt from Walk This Way and a making-of video.
Two new releases by alumnus Woody Witt reviewed
Andrea Carter reviews two new releases by tenor saxophonist Woody Witt here. Both include UNT jazz faculty members.
Alumnus Shelley Carrol profiled
This way to the profile by music blogger Scribalartz.
Banff auditions
We received an email about Banff auditions with a request to let our students know. UNT students have attended in the past and found it a productive experience.
Congratulations to December 2008 graduates
We celebrate the graduation of the following students and wish them the best in their next endeavors:
Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studies: Chris Borin, Kelyn Crapp, Joel Cross, Teriver Cheung, Brandon McGhee, Bach Norwood, Sylvester Onyejiaka II, Ross Pederson, José Perez, Jeff Randall, Jordan Schug.
Master of Music in Jazz Studies: Hildegunn Gjedrem, Jake Hanlon
Ph.D. in Musicology: Aaron West (also holds M.M. in Jazz Studies). Dissertation: Caught Between Jazz and Pop: The Contested Origins, Criticism, Performance Practice, and Reception of Smooth Jazz. Major Professor: John Murphy.
Nobody's Business, a band of current & former students, tours Mexico
Nobody's Business, the band formed by Teriver Cheung, Roberto Verastegui, Evan Weiss, and Colin Hinton, is currently touring Mexico.
Alumnus Drew Phelps and a Western Swing New Year's Eve Party
Bassist and alumnus Drew Phelps will play with the Western Swing band The Quebe Sisters on New Year's Eve at Dan's Silverleaf in Denton. Here's a video of the band with Warren Buffet sitting in.
Chuck Mandernach's photos from Nov. 21-22, 2008
Chuck Mandernach (L, with Bill Collins III) kindly sent 126 photos from the Nov. 21-22 event. You can browse them here.
UNT Jazz summer workshops registration form is now online
You can find it on the Workshops page.
Alumnus Conrad Herwig profiled in his hometown paper
Mary Ann Bourbeau's profile is right this way.
The Jazz Singers perform at The Midwest Clinic
click on the photo for a larger version
The UNT Jazz Singers, directed by Paris Rutherford, performed at The Midwest Clinic in Chicago on Dec. 19, 2008. The performance received rave reviews, and was preceded by comments by Dick Dunscomb that referred to the group as "the number one educational vocal jazz ensemble in the world."
Alumnus David Weiss profiled at allaboutjazz
The profile by R.J. DeLuke is over here.
Alumnus Rob Wilkerson featured as member of Secret Society
Rob Wilkerson is featured in this edition of "Know your Co-conspirators," a regular feature on Secret Society leader & composer Darcy James Argue's blog.
Freddie Hubbard (1938-2008)
We note with sadness the passing of Freddie Hubbard. New York Times obituary.