UNT alumnus Toby Guynn profiled
Bassist Toby Guynn and his speaker company Toby Corp. are profiled by Elizabeth Bassett in Fort Worth Business Press.
Alumna Idit Shner's CD reviewed at allaboutjazz
On Idit Shner's CD Tuesday's Blues she is joined by Stefan Karlsson, Michael League, and Steve Pruitt. You can find the review by C. Michael Bailey here.
30 Years of Vocal Jazz
On May 2, 2009, Paris Rutherford's retirement will be celebrated with a concert by the UNT Jazz Singers,
and Jazz Singers alumni entitled "30 Years of Vocal Jazz." On May 1, 2009, there will be an informal reception for Paris's students in vocal jazz and arranging, colleagues, and friends. The events will take place in the Murchison Performing Arts Center.
So that we can get a preliminary estimate of attendance, we request your non-binding RSVP. Please email Joy Wright, Chair of the Alumni Committee, at joy.wright@unt.edu with your contact information and number attending. Saturday's concert will include current jazz singers members, as well as alumni. If you were in the jazz singers ensemble and would like to participate in Saturday's concert, please add this information to your response in order to receive the charts.
If you have photos of Paris Rutherford and the Jazz Singers that would like to contribute to the Friday evening slideshow, please send them to John Murphy at john.murphy@unt.edu.
Friday, May 1, 2009
for Alumni, Guests, Family, and Friends of Paris Rutherford
7:00 pm - ? Dinner and Hang (cash bar)
Lyric Theatre - Murchison
$10 admission per person
Texas BBQ will be served
Please RSVP to Joy Wright at joy.wright@unt.edu if you plan to attend.
Saturday, May 2nd
Open to the Public
8:00 pm Jazz Singers and Alumni Concert
Dave Brubeck Quartet on February 26: Online ticket sales now available
The Dave Brubeck Quartet will perform with the One O'Clock Lab Band, UNT Symphony, and Grand Chorus on February 26, 2009 as part of the Glenn E. Gomez International Artists Endowment for Jazz Studies and the celebration of the 10th anniversary of the Murchison Performing Arts Center. Co-sponsored by the UNT Fine Arts Series. Online ticket sales are now available.
Fred Hamilton concert covered by The Star of Mysore (India) paper
The article "A Fusion with a Difference" by S. R. Krishna Murthy may be found here.
Math or Magic - A New Chamber Music Project by Evan Weiss
Math or Magic is a new project that balances passionate jazz improvisation with the textures of modern classical music. This concert will be the debut of seven original compositions, featuring an eleven-piece chamber ensemble consisting of trumpet, voice, strings, woodwinds, and rhythm section. It will take place in Kenton Hall at 8:00 p.m. on January 21, 2009. www.myspace.com/evanweiss.
Jazz Lecture series for spring 2009
Our Jazz Lecture series, also known as MUJS 3470, will bring the following artists to campus in spring 2009:
2/10 Mike Moreno, guitar*
2/17 Chuck Berghofer, bass*
2/24 Dave Brubeck, piano (afternoon session only; Gomez artist)
3/3 Curtis Fuller, trombone*
3/10 Ingrid Jensen, trumpet*
3/24 Billy Hart, drums*
3/31 Tim Warfield, saxophone*
4/14 Tierney Sutton, voice (part of NT Jazz Festival in Addison)*
* = will play at McDavid Studio at Bass Hall in Ft. Worth on Tuesday evening at 7:30
Landon Mattox and friends release CD/DVD Live at Xinghai Conservatory
The CD/DVD records a concert in November 2008 by alumnus Landon Mattox, who teaches at Xinghai Conservatory in Guangzhou, China, alumnus Andrew Page, Adam Kleinman, Gabriel Katz, Rafael "Xiao Bai" Lee, and Anthony Gonzales.
New CD by Jangeun Bae Trio with Greg Osby
Alumna and pianist Jangeun Bae has released the CD "Go" with alumni Ryan McGillicuddy (bass) and Jon Deitemyer (drums) and saxophonist Greg Osby. myspace.com/jbfunkyjazz
Brad Leali, Lou Marini to play at Inauguration event
[From the UNT Press release]
DENTON (UNT), Texas ⎯ A University of North Texas College of Music faculty member will perform at the opening night of the presidential inauguration events, where he will play in the band accompanying such performers as Beyonce, Garth Brooks, Mariah Carey, Jay-Z, Bruce Springsteen and Stevie Wonder.
Brad Leali, assistant professor of jazz saxophone and director of the Three O’Clock Lab Band at UNT, is in Washington, D.C., now to rehearse with the band for the live performance of “We are One: The Obama Inaugural Celebration at the Lincoln Memorial” on Jan. 18 (Sunday). The performance will be broadcast on HBO.
“It’s an extreme honor,” said Leali, a Grammy-nominated saxophonist who has previously performed with the band as part of The Kennedy Center Honors program. “It’s history; it’s something that I will be able to share with my family, friends and children, and I am happy to be representing the University of North Texas at an event of this magnitude.”
Leali, who earned a bachelor’s degree in music from UNT in 1990, joined the UNT jazz studies faculty in Fall 2008. He has performed with the Count Basie Orchestra, Harry Connick Jr. Orchestra and in collaborations with such well-known artists as Freddie Hubbard, Clark Terry, Joe Williams, Jimmy Cobb and others.
The band performing at the Jan. 18 inaugural event includes another UNT alumnus, saxophonist Lou “Blue Lou” Marini, one of the original members of the Saturday Night Live band.
Leali began the 12- to 15-hour daily band rehearsals in Washington, D.C., on Jan. 14 (Wednesday). He will be back at UNT on Jan. 19 (Monday) to hear saxophone students audition for UNT jazz bands. [Update on Jan. 18: Brad and Lou were shown on camera as they played with Stevie Wonder, Usher, and Shakira.]
Mobile version of this site's RSS feed
You can find a version of this site's RSS feed that is customized for your mobile device by visiting mippin.com/northtexasjazz. This includes only the news items on the main page, not the content that accessible via the left margin menu. Thanks to Liam Green-Hughes for writing about this service.
Hildegunn Gjedrem & Ross Pederson's farewell performance
On Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2009, vocalist and composer Hildegunn Gjedrem and drummer Ross Pederson will bid farewell to Denton (they move to New York this week) with a performance by the Hildegunn Gjedrem Group at Dan's Silverleaf. The Brad Leali Trio will start the evening at 9:30. The event is smoke-free and open to those 18 years old and up, and the cover is $7.
Brad Leali Trio: Bead Leali, alto saxophone; Jeffry Eckels, bass; Ross Pederson, drums.
Hildegunn Gjedrem Group: Hildegunn Gjedrem, vocal; Evan Weiss, trumpet; Jiri Levicek, piano; Mike League, bass, Ross Pederson, drums.
If you really want to show your commitment to new music, come hear Evan Weiss's Math or Magic concert at 8 p.m. on Jan. 21 in Kenton Hall.
Brad Leali reflects on "We Are One" concert on KERA arts blog
Steve Wiest's CD "Out of the New" reviewed at allaboutjazz
The review by Jakob Baekgaard is here.
Mikel Combs publishes the article "Why Not Electric Bass? Electric Bass and the Jazz Tradition"
Bassist and current graduate student Mikel Combs has published the article "Why Not Electric Bass? Electric Bass and the Jazz Tradition" in the journal Stringendo, vol. 23 no. 3 (Spring 2007).
Eric Morones's CD "About Time!" reviewed at allaboutjazz
The new CD on the Arabesque label by the saxophonist and alumnus Eric J. Morones is reviewed by Jay Deshpande at allaboutjazz.com.
Jazz lecture series for Spring 2009
Photo courtesy of Ingrid Jensen
Guests artists for the spring 2009: Jazz Lecture Series
2/10 Mike Moreno, guitar*
2/17 Chuck Berghofer, bass*
2/24 Dave Brubeck, piano, with the Dave Brubeck Quartet (afternoon session only; Gomez artist)
3/3 Curtis Fuller, trombone*
3/10 Ingrid Jensen, trumpet*
3/24 Billy Hart, drums*
3/31 Tim Warfield, saxophone*
4/7 José Bowen, jazz scholar
4/14 Tierney Sutton, voice*
* these guests will also perform at the North Texas Jazz Artist Series at McDavid Studio on Tuesday evenings at 7:30. More information about this series will be posted on this site soon.
Faculty performance at Syndicate canceled on Jan. 27
The scheduled performance by jazz faculty members at the Syndicate on the evening of Jan. 27 is canceled because UNT is closed.
UNT to open at noon on Jan. 28; One O'Clock Lab Band will play at Syndicate at 9 p.m.
According to the just-issued Eagle Alert, the UNT campus will open at noon on Wednesday, just in time for Jazz Repertory ensemble rehearsal and the rest of the afternoon rehearsals, and the One O'Clock Lab Band will start off the Wednesday night Syndicate series at 9 p.m.
Brad Leali's participation in Inauguration covered by NT Daily
![]() |
The feature by Kara Fordyce can be found here. Photo by Clinton Lynch of the NT Daily. |
North Texas Jazz Artist Series at McDavid Studio
This year for the first time, UNT Jazz Studies is collaborating with Performing Arts Fort Worth to present the North Texas Jazz Artist Series at McDavid Studio, adjacent to Bass Hall in downtown Fort Worth. The guest artists are drawn from our annual Jazz Lecture Series and will play with UNT Jazz Studies faculty and students and local professionals. We are very excited about this partnership and we hope everyone in the extended network of North Texas jazz aficionados will spread the word about this new series.
Use this page or click on the image in the right sidebar of this site to purchase tickets at Performing Arts Fort Worth's website by clicking on the performance(s) you are interested in.
See also: McDavid Studio on myspace
Dave Brubeck Quartet in concert on Feb. 26, 2009
We invite you to join the celebration of 10 years of musical excellence at UNT’s Murchison Performing Arts Center with a performance on February 26 by the Dave Brubeck Quartet. The first half of the evening will feature the Dave Brubeck Quartet playing in collaboration with the UNT College of Music Symphony Orchestra and Grand Chorus for a performance of Brubeck’s own Pange Lingua Variations. The second half will feature the Brubeck Quartet performing with the One O’Clock Jazz Lab Band, directed by Steve Wiest. This event is the culmination of concerts celebrating the 10th anniversary of the Murchison Performing Arts Center. It's sponsored by the UNT Fine Arts Series and the 15th annual Glenn E. Gomez International Artist Endowment for Jazz Studies and is underwritten by Spec’s Charitable Foundation. For concert information and ticket prices call 940.369.7802.
Duane Hargis, current Jazz graduate student, is in a Grammy-nominated band
Trumpeter and current Jazz Studies graduate student Duane Hargis (back center, just to the right of Sr. Ramos) is a member of the band Ruben Ramos & The Mexican Revolution, whose album "Viva La Revolución" (Revolution Records) is nominated for a Grammy in category 63, Best Tejano album.
Greg Waits group plays at Syndicate on Feb. 3, 2009
Trombonist and alumnus Greg Waits leads a small group in performance of his original compositions at the Union Syndicate on Feb. 3, 2009 starting at 9:15 p.m. Also in the group: Pete Wiese, guitar; John Murphy, tenor and soprano saxophone and clarinet; Jacob Smith, bass; Colin Hinton, drums. A modest cover will be charged.
Jazz Faculty play recital in memory of Freddie Hubbard
"A Tribute to Blue Note in Memory of Freddie Hubbard" is the title of the Feb. 3, 2009 recital by UNT Jazz Faculty members Mike Steinel, trumpet; Brad Leali, alto saxophone; Stefan Karlsson, piano; Lynn Seaton, bass; and Ed Soph, drums. The program: "Dolphin Dance" (Herbie Hancock); "Society Red" (Dexter Gordon); "Thermo" (Freddie Hubbard); "Marie Antoinette" (Wayne Shorter); "Lament for Booker" (Freddie Hubbard); "Open Sesame" (Tina Brooks). The concert begins at 8 p.m. in Kenton Hall and admission is free.
Alumnus Dave Love's Heads Up International receives 10 Grammy nominations
Dave Love, a UNT jazz studies alumnus, has played a pivotal role in the music business world for decades. His company produces recordings by some of the most significant established and up-and-coming artists in jazz and world music. He was involved in the production of Michael Brecker's last recording, Pilgrimage, and Esperanza Spalding's debut. In 2004 JazzTimes ranked him among the top ten most powerful figures in the jazz business.
This year his company has ten releases by these artists in the running for a Grammy:
Take 6 · Yellowjackets featuring Mike Stern · Taj Mahal, Fourplay, Spyro Gyra, Ladysmith Black Mambazo, The Caribbean Jazz Project
from the press release:
Cleveland, OH – Heads Up International received 10 GRAMMY® nominations, as announced by the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (NARAS) on December 3, 2008. The nominations were in an array of categories including; instrumental pop, jazz, world music, arranging, blues and Latin. All nominations were for albums released between October 2007 and September 2008. Winners will be announced at the 51st Annual GRAMMY® Awards Ceremony, to be held on Sunday, February 8, 2009, at Staples Center in Los Angeles, and once again will be broadcast live on CBS at 8:00 p.m. (ET/PT).
“We’re thrilled to receive ten nominations this year,” says Dave Love, President of Heads Up. “As part of the 39 nominations for the Concord Music Group overall, we have some incredibly gifted artists. There is no greater compliment to an artist or their work then recognition by your peers. We are grateful to be a part of their legacy.”
The nominations are:
General Field
Category 9 – Best Pop Instrumental Performance
“Fortune Teller” (track from Energy)
Artists: Fourplay
General Field
Category 10 – Best Pop Instrumental Album
A Night Before Christmas
Artists: Spyro Gyra
Field 10 – Jazz
Category 45 -- Best Contemporary Jazz Album
Lifecycle
Artists: Yellowjackets featuring Mike Stern
Field 10 – Jazz
Category 47 – Best Jazz Instrumental Solo
“Seven Steps To Heaven” (track from The Standard)
Artists: Take 6
Field 10 – Jazz
Category 50 – Best Latin Jazz Album
Afro Bop Alliance
Artists: Caribbean Jazz Project
Field 11 – Gospel
Category 51 – Best Gospel Performance
“Shall We Gather At The River” (track from The Standard)
Artists: Take 6
Field 13 – Blues
Category 67 – Best Contemporary Blues Album
Maestro
Artist: Taj Mahal
Field 16 – World Music
Category 74 – Best Traditional World Music Album
Ilembe: Honoring Shaka Zulu
Artists: Ladysmith Black Mambazo
Field 23 – Composing/Arranging
Category 85 – Best Instrumental Composition
“Claire’s Closet” (track from Lifecycle)
Composer: Russell Ferrante
Artists: Yellowjackets featuring Mike Stern
Field 23 – Composing/Arranging
Category 87 – Best Instrumental Arrangement Accompanying Vocalist(s)
“Grace” (track from The Standard)
Arranger: Cendric Dent
Artists: Take 6
For nearly 20 years, Heads Up International has been successfully carving its niche in the world of contemporary instrumental music. In that time, Heads Up artists and releases have consistently landed on Billboard’s Contemporary Jazz, Traditional Jazz and World Music charts, and have garnered numerous industry awards, including Billboard’s Contemporary Latin Jazz Album of the Year, the AFIM’s Independent Contemporary Jazz Album of the Year, five GRAMMY® Awards and numerous GRAMMY® nominations. Heads Up was also the winner of JazzWeek’s Radio Programmers Album Of The Year Award for two consecutive years, and Gibson Guitar’s Best Female Jazz Guitarist. In addition to the awards and accolades, Heads Up artists have regularly captured the #1 slot in national radio airplay.
How many students of jazz are there at UNT?
Depends on how you count them. Using the registrar's data on who was officially declared a jazz studies major in fall 2008, there were 214 undergraduates and 65 graduate students, or 279 majors total.
The Jazz Registry, our jazz community phone and email directory, is compiled from the jazz auditions list each semester, and therefore includes students who have other majors besides jazz studies but are considered part of our community. These are the fall 2008 numbers by instrument for undergraduate and graduate combined: saxophone 73; trumpet 41; trombone 39; piano 28; guitar 45; bass 33; drums 41; voice 50; total: 350.
Duane Hargis's band wins Grammy
According to Billboard, Ruben Ramos and the Mexican Revolution, of which current student Duane Hargis is a member, have won the Grammy for Best Tejano Album. Thanks to Derek Molacek for the link.
North Texas Jazz Artist Series at McDavid Studio: who is playing
Tickets: $20 ($5 for students). Concerts begin at 7:30 p.m.
McDavid Studio is across the street from Bass Hall at the corner of Calhoun and E. 5th St. in Ft. Worth.
details and link to buy tickets
2/10
Mike Moreno, guitar
Aaron Parks, piano
Lynn Seaton, bass
Ed Soph, drums
2/17
Chuck Berghofer, bass
Brad Leali, alto saxophone
Ben Haugland, piano
Ed Soph, drums
3/3
Curtis Fuller, trombone
Mike Steinel, trumpet
Brad Leali, saxophone
Stefan Karlsson, piano
Lynn Seaton, bass
Ed Soph, drums
3/10
Ingrid Jensen, trumpet
Tim Goynes, guitar
Lynn Seaton, bass
Ed Soph, drums
3/24
Billy Hart, drums
Stefan Karlsson, piano
Lynn Seaton, bass
3/31
Tim WarTield, saxophone
Stefan Karlsson, piano
Lynn Seaton, bass
Ed Soph, drums
4/14
Tierney Sutton Band
Tierney Sutton, vocals
Christian Jacob, piano
Kevin Axt, bass
Ray Brinker, drums
Press coverage of Fred Hamilton's India trip
In January, Fred Hamilton traveled to India to collaborate on performances and recordings. Here are two examples of the press coverage his work attracted: Article 1 | Article 2. "Note that they misquoted me as saying I played with Ravi Shankar in 1967," Fred cautions, in reference to the first article. "I really said I attended his concert in Denver and that was my initiation into Indian music."
Students will play with Earl Klugh on Fox 4 TV
Current student Pat Bubert and former student Tyler Jackson will play with Earl Klugh on Good Day Texas (FOX ch. 4, Dallas) Tuesday morning, Feb. 17, sometime between 7 and 9 a.m.
An Intimate Evening with the Dave Brubeck Quartet
Due to the extremely high demand for tickets to the February 26th concert by the Dave Brubeck Quartet with UNT ensembles, we have added an additional concert. On Friday February 27th, the Dave Brubeck Quartet will present a concert at Winspear Hall at 8 p.m.
Tickets:
$20 adults
$15 seniors, UNT fac/staff
$10 non-UNT students, children, groups of 10+
Free to UNT students
Miles Okazaki, NYC guitarist/composer, visits North Texas
Miles Okazaki, NYC guitarist/composer
March 4 at 5 p.m.
Clinic in room 262. Free for UNT guitar club members, $5 for non-members
March 4 at 9 p.m. at Scat Lounge in Ft. Worth wtih Evan Weiss, Brian Donohoe, Steve Pruitt, Ryan Hagler. Cover $7. Opening set: Nobody's Business (band).
March 5 at 9:30 p.m. Dan's Silverleaf with UNT jazz faculty. $7. Opening bands: Nobody's Business, Moosehound.
Miles is giving lessons while he is here. Sign up on Fred Hamilton's office door.
One O'Clock Lab Band will play at Birdland in NYC on March 10
The One O'Clock Lab Band, Steve Wiest, interim director, will play at Birdland in New York City on March 10, 2009 from 7-8 p.m.
Dave Brubeck Quartet: schedule of on-campus activities
Dave Brubeck Quartet Schedule
GOMEZ ARTIST-IN-RESIDENCE
All Students and Faculty are invited to attend the different sessions.
Monday, 2/23
1:00-1:50 Rehearse with the One O’Clock Lab Band (Russell Gloyd), Kenton (Rm 282)
2:00-2:30 Russell Gloyd runs Pange Lingua chants with a cappella men COM (Rm 230)
2:45-3:40 Russell Gloyd rehearses orchestra, Winspear Hall
4:00-4:50 Jazz Forum: Dave Brubeck listens to small groups & comments Kenton (Rm 282)
6:00-7:00 Russell Gloyd rehearses chorus (w/piano), COM 230
Tuesday, 2/24
9:30-11:00 Improvisation. Room 262: Bobby Militello, Randy Jones, Michael Moore
1 p.m.- Quartet visits bass departmental —(Concert Hall)
2:00-3:15 Jazz Lecture Series. Recital Hall: Dave Brubeck, or whole quartet
4:00-4:50 Composition, 4-6 advanced composers. Dave Brubeck will
discuss composition and take questions on his composition process (Rm 274).
6:00-6:15 Winspear, place chorus in terrace
6:15-8:15 Winspear, Russell Gloyd rehearses chorus and orchestra and Brubeck
Wednesday, 2/25
10:00-10:50 Jazz History. Q&A w/Dave Brubeck moderated by Russell Gloyd-Kenton(Rm 282)
11:00-12:00 Jazz Arranging. Kenton (Rm 282) Russell Gloyd & members of the quartet;
Jazz Piano Master Class, Concert Hall, Dave Brubeck:
1:00-1:50 Rehearse with the One O’Clock Lab Band, Kenton Hall
2:15-4:05 Winspear, Russell Gloyd does touch-up with orchestra
Thursday, 2/26
11:00-12:00 Open Forum, Kenton (Rm 282) Dave Brubeck, members of quartet, Russell Gloyd
1:00-3:00 Sound Check. Winspear Hall: Dave Brubeck w/One O’Clock Lab Band
7:30 Instrumental rehearsal room (IRR), chorus call
7:50 IRR, orchestra call
8:00 Concert in Winspear,
First Half: Pange Lingua performance, all.
Second Half: One O'Clock Lab Band, w/ Dave Brubeck Quartet
Akira Sato releases the CD "Home Court Advantage"
"Home Court Advantage" is the newly-released CD by trumpeter, composer, UNT alumnus and adjunct instructor of arranging Akira Sato. He's joined by Frank Basile (baritone saxophone), Brad Williams (piano), Buddy Mohmed (bass), Andrew Griffith (drums), all of whom are UNT Jazz Studies alumni. The CD is available at cdbaby.com/cd/akirasatoon iTunes or directly from Akira. His website is www.satojazz.com.
Photos of the Dave Brubeck Quartet and Russell Gloyd residency
Dave Brubeck Quartet at Jazz Lecture Series, Feb. 24, 2009. Photo by Jonathan Reynolds
Photos of this week's residency are available in our photo section.
Current student Tatiana Mayfield at Sammons Center March 4, 2009
Wednesday, March 4th @ the Sammons Center @ 7:00pm: Sammons Jazz Presents "The Leigh Tomlinson Memorial Showcase"
Come and see the Tatiana Mayfield Quintet at this special memorial concert honoring the late local jazz vocalist, Leigh Tomlinson. Doors open at 7pm and the performance starts at 7:30pm. Tickets are on sale for $30 (members only) and $35 (non-members) at the Sammons Center. To order tickets call 214-520-7789.
Music by Mike Steinel March 1, 2009 at 4 p.m.
A Faculty Recital: The Large Ensemble Music
Of Mike Steinel
Sunday March 1, 2009 at 4 p.m. in Kenton Hall; admission free
Featuring an All Star Ensemble:
Saxophones -Jim Riggs, Brad Leali, John Murphy, Pete Brewer Chris McGuire, Sam
Reid
Trumpets - Jay Saunders, Keith Jourdan, Jack Evans, Rodney Booth, Mike Steinel
Trombones - Tony Baker, Ken George, Chris Seiter, John Osbome
Piano - Stefan Karlsson
Guitar - Noel Johnston
Bass - Lynn Seaton, Jeffry Eckels
Drums - Ed Soph, Stockton Helbing
Percussion - Ricardo Bozas
All Compositions Composed by Mike Steinel
UNT alumnus Dean Parks in Denton
Dean Parks, who played saxophone in the One O’Clock Lab Band with James Riggs, later recorded on guitar with Steely Dan during his extensive L.A. studio career. Dean will sit in with the Steely Dan tribute band Naked Lunch at Dan’s Silverleaf on Friday, Feb. 27. The music starts around 9:30.
Curtis Fuller and UNT Jazz Faculty at McDavid Studio March 3, 7:30 p.m.
Jazz Lecture Series guest artist Curtis Fuller will play with Mike Steinel, trumpet; Brad Leali, alto saxophone;
Stefan Karlsson, piano; Lynn Seaton, bass; Ed Soph, drums. Link to buy tickets
Curtis Fuller is Here
Photo by John Murphy © UNT Jazz Studies
Curtis Fuller is today's Jazz Lecture Series guest artist. You can hear him tonight at McDavid Studio in Ft. Worth along with UNT Jazz Faculty. Here's a photo of Curtis Fuller and Sean Jones.
Multitalented Dave Richards featured in NT Daily
Read all about our talented trumpeter/trombonist/composer/arranger.
Photos of the Brubeck Quartet residency by Michael Clements
Michael Clements, photographer for UNT's division of University Relations, Communications and Marketing, posted these photos:
rehearsal | performance
UNT College of Music audition dates for 2010
Prospective students: mark your calendars with our 2010 on-campus audition dates:
January 30
February 5 (Graduate auditions in selected areas)
February 6
February 27
UNT Jazz Studies names One O'Clock Lab Band Director, Director of Vocal Jazz, and Division Chair
UNT Jazz Studies announces three appointments: Steve Wiest, Director of the One O'Clock Lab Band; Dr. Tim Brent, Director of Vocal Jazz; and John Murphy, Division Chair. More information can be found in the UNT press release.
At Phillips Jazz Piano Competition, Jiri Levicek wins first prize and Roberto Verastegui, third
Levicek and Verastegui are students of Stefan Karlsson. Congratulations to all three!!
Site for the Phillips Jazz Piano Competition.
Lab Band Madness will happen on April 21, 2009
Dylan Fest 2009 to benefit Charity
For Immediate Release
DylanFest 2009, a concert dedicated to the music of Bob Dylan to benefit Instruments of Change will be held May 25, 2009 (Memorial Day) at Dan’s Silverleaf in Denton, Texas from 4 PM to 7 PM. Admission is $20. Additional donations for Instruments of Change are welcome. The concert will feature Tex Zimmerman and His All Star Review, a Dylan tribute band, as well as local pop artists such as Brave Combo, Oso Closo, Caroline Wonderland and Paul Slavens.
Instruments of Change is a charity dedicated to bringing instruments and music to children at risk. IOC has ongoing projects in South Africa and New Orleans and is a registered non-profit organization. In August of 2008 Mike Steinel, a professor of music at UNT, his wife Beverly Hoch, a vocalist who teaches at TWU and their daughter Grace Steinel traveled with seven others to Kimberley, South Africa and presented a week-long music camp.
Steinel, stated that the charity chose to make the music of Bob Dylan the focus of their fund raiser this year in an effort to gain wider exposure. “We think the music of Bob Dylan is a perfect fit with our mission and we hope this event will help make more people aware of our activities. Last year our fund raising concert featured jazz and classical music and was very successful. We raised $4000 in funds and $7000 in donated instruments. We were able to take over 300 instruments to South Africa where we presented a music camp for the children in Homevale, a neighborhood in Kimberley. Homevale is an extremely poor community: un-employment is 70%, school drop-out rates are very high, and options for young people are limited. Working in cooperation with a local congregation were able to help start a music academy and establish a system of mentor/elders. The program is off to a good start, in December they broke ground on the Instruments of Change Music Academy, and we look forward to returning soon.”
Steinel has organized Tex Zimmerman and His All Star review, which will serve as the back-up group. The band includes guitarists Paul Metzger and Fred Hamilton, bassists Deke Isaac and Jeff Eckels, drummer Stockton Helbing, vocalisits Rosana Eckert, Gale Cruz, Gary Eckert, Lisa Horan, Tatiana Mayfield, and horn players, Steve Wiest, Rodney Booth, and Mario Cruz. Other acts such as Paul Slavens, Oso Closo, and Brave Combo are slated to perform. James Baird, a UNT English professor who teaches a class about Bob Dylan, will serve as the emcee.
“The response from the artistic community has been very gratifying. All the musicians I have approached really love and respect Bob Dylan’s music and are sensitive to the powerful role music can play in a young person’s life.” IOC hopes to make Dylanfest an annual event.
More information about the event can be found on two websites: www.dylanfest.org and www.texzimmerman.com.
Tickets now available for Festival Concerts
THURSDAY CONCERT, April 16 at 8:00 pm, Greenhill School Theatre, 4100 Hornet Dr., Addison, TX
An Intimate Evening with the Tierney Sutton Band
Tickets can be purchased by calling 972-450-6251 or by clicking on the following link:
THURSDAY CONCERT, April 16 at 8:00 pm, Crowne Plaza Hotel - NOW SOLD OUT!
Two O'Clock Lab Band, directed by Jay Saunders
An Additional Thursday Evening Concert is presented at 8:00 pm at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Trinity Ballroom.
Admission is free. It is the opening concert of the 9th Annual North Texas Jazz Festival in Addison.
Tickets for the Friday evening or Saturday evening concerts are available by phone only. 972-450-6251
UNT students get half price tickets with their student ID (Friday and Saturday Concerts).
FRIDAY CONCERT, April 17 at 8:00 pm, Trinity Ballroom, Crowne Plaza Hotel, 14315 Midway Road, Addison, TX
North Texas Jazz Singers, directed by Paris Rutherford
UNT Jazz Faculty Nonet:
Rosana Eckert, Brad Leali, John Murphy, Mike Steinel, Steve Wiest, Tim Goynes, Dan Haerle, Lynn Seaton, Ed Soph
UNT One O'Clock Lab Band, directed by Steve Wiest
Tickets: Call 972-450-6251
SATURDAY CONCERT, April 18 at 7:00 pm, Trinity Ballroom, Crowne Plaza Hotel, 14315 Midway Road, Addison, TX
Selected Groups
The most outstanding groups of the festival in each category appearing on the final evening concert
The Tierney Sutton Band
Multiple Grammy nominated quartet headlines our final concert of the festival. See detailed description of the group below.
Tickets: Call 972-450-6251
New photos
Tim Warfield at Jazz Lecture Series, March 24, 2009. Photo by John Murphy.
There are new photos in the March and April 2009 sections of the Photos section.
One O'Clock Lab Band at Birdland: "Newport"
Sarah Tolar, vocalist and UNT alumna, releases CD
Sarah Tolar, UNT alumna and NewYork-based vocalist, will be celebrating the release of her debut album "Big Blue Moon" on Monday April 13, 2009 at the Canal Room in New York City. For more information, see www.sarahtolar.com and www.myspace.com/sarahtolar.
Attention student entrepreneurs
UNT's Murphy Center for Entrepreneurship (formerly the Murphy Enterprise Center) in the College of Business is now accepting submissions for the 2009 New Venture Creation Contest (NVCC). The NVCC is open to all full-time UNT students and is intended to simulate the real-world process of entrepreneurs soliciting start-up funds from early-stage investors and venture capital firms.
Alumnus Galen Jeter and Dallas' Original Jazz Orchestra tour to Kansas
Here's the story from the Wichita Eagle.
Shilah Phillips featured in McKinney Living magazine
Vocalist and current student Shilah Phillips was featured on the cover of the April 2009 McKinney Living magazine. McKinney is in Collin County and Shilah is a former student at Collin College.
"Ice Nine" UNT One O'Clock Lab Band Live from Birdland, March 2009
Josh Hanlon on Fox TV
Josh Hanlon, former pianist in the One O'Clock Lab Band and adjunct instructor of piano, appears this weekend on the Fox News show "Huckabee" performing with Willie Nelson, Ray Price, and, on bass, former Arkansas governor and presidential candidate Mike Huckabee. Video from the show
Kait Dunton's CD "Real & Imagined" reviewed at jazz.com
Pianist-composer and alumna Kait Dunton's CD "Real & Imagined," on which alumni Daniel Foose (bass) and Ross Pederson (drums & cymbals & rims) also play, which was recorded here in Denton at Panhandle House, is reviewed enthusiastically at jazz.com.
NT Daily feature on Paris Rutherford, Henry Gibbons
The two retiring professors are profiled in the NT Daily.
Alan Baylock Jazz Orchestra goes green
One O'Clock Lab Band at McDavid Studio on April 30, 2009
The One O'Clock Lab Band, directed by Steve Wiest, will present a concert at McDavid Studio in Ft. Worth on Thursday, April 30, 2009 at 8 p.m. For ticket information, use this link to the McDavid Studio site.
30 Years of Vocal Jazz
Eckels, Levicek, Pederson on tour in Perú
Instituto Cultural Peruano Norteamericano in Lima. Photo by John Murphy 2008
Bassist and DMA candidate Jeffrey Eckels, pianist and Graduate Artist Certificate candidate Jiri Levicek, and drummer and alumnus Ross Pederson are currently on tour in Perú. They will play concerts and offer workshops in Trujillo, Piura, and Lima with the support of the Instituto Cultural Peruano Norteamericano and with the coordination help of alumna Carolina Araoz (pronounced a-RAO-z).
"Dark Matters" UNT One O'Clock Lab Band Live from Birdland
"Dark Matters" UNT One O'Clock Lab Band Live from Birdland from northtexasjazz on Vimeo.
Dave Richards composed this in honor of Neil Slater for the Nov. 22, 2008 retirement celebration.
Patrick Lax and Marcus Söderström visit from Finland
Marcus Söderström (left) and Patrick Lax (second from left) visited UNT Jazz Studies today (opening of track 1, with permission). They are on the music faculty of Novia University of Applied Sciences and Music House in Jakobstad, Finland. We talked about a possible collaboration for next year. Since they are part of the 6% of the Finnish population that speaks Swedish, Stefan Karlsson got to practice his. No word yet on whether they think he speaks Swedish with a twang (which sounds like a Scandinavian product name, don't you think?).
Patrick Lax, Marcus Söderström, Stefan Karlsson
Keith Javors collaborates with Oleg Kireyev
[from the press release]
In a timely collaboration given current international affairs, alumnus Keith Javors recently completed a March tour of Russia and Poland and an April run in New York City with renowned Russian tenor saxophonist Oleg Kireyev. The European version of the group, comprised of Oleg Kireyev (saxophones), Keith Javors (piano), Addrejez Swies (bass), and Kristop Smanda (drums), finished the multi-week tour with a recording for Polish leading label and agency, BCD Records. While working together in Europe, Kireyev and Javors headlined festivals in Moscow and Yaroslavl and in numerous towns in Poland: Kielce, Krakow, Tychy, at a concert hall inside the medieval castle of Przemysl and at the Rodno Club in Kutno. The fruitful result of this tour is embodied in new tracks for the mutual new album, which was recorded at the most famous and respected Toya Studio in Poland. Returning to the U.S., the collaboration was capped off by successful performances at the Iridium in New York City, where they were joined by two of the city’s finest and most creative musicians, Boris Kozlov (bass) and E.J. Strickland (drums). The concert was a CD premiere of a second project recorded at Bennett Studios. While this unusual yet celebrated combination of Eastern and Western sounds has been a natural fit, they have only been working together a brief time. In the Fall of 2008, Kireyev first performed an East Coast run with Keith at top East Coast venues including Blues Alley in Washington, D.C. and Chris’ Jazz Café’ in Philadelphia.
For more information: keithjavorsmusic.com
Paris Rutherford profiled in Denton Record-Chronicle
Link to profile of Paris by Lucinda Breeding.
Freddie Hubbard Memorial Service
[This note was sent by UNT alumnus David Weiss. Republishing it here for those who may not have seen it yet.--John Murphy]
"To Freddie With Love "
The Freddie Hubbard Memorial
Please join Freddie's widow Briggie, his son Duane, his musical director and friend David Weiss and also scheduled to appear:
Donald Byrd, Cedar Walton, Louis Hayes, Charles Tolliver, Gary Bartz, Slide Hampton, Jimmy Heath, Billy Harper, Joe Chambers, Al Foster, James Spaulding, Wallace Roney, Joe Lovano, Buster Williams, Lenny White, Wynton Marsalis, Roy Hargrove, Stanley Crouch, Randy Brecker, Javon Jackson, Christian McBride, Carl Allen, Reggie Workman, George Cables, Russell Malone, Jeremy Pelt, Vincent Herring, Larry Ridley, Killer Ray Appleton, Howard Johnson, George Coleman, Jimmy Owens, Don Braden, Peter Washington, Pete "LaRoca" Sims, Don Braden, The New Jazz Composers Octet (David Weiss, Myron Walden, Jimmy Greene, Steve Davis, Norbert Stachel, Xavier Davis, Dwayne Burno, and E.J. Strickland) along with many others- the list is getting longer each day...
Date: Monday May 4th
Time: 6:30 pm - 9:30 pm
Place: The Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine
1047 Amsterdam Avenue
New York, New York 10025
The Cathedral is located at 112th Street and Amsterdam Avenue, one block east of Broadway.
The Jazz Foundation helped take care of Freddie during his times of illness.
A tax deductible donation can be made in his name to the Jazz Foundation of America. Aside from helping to make this possible, you will be saving hundreds of great artists in crisis. 1600 emergency cases a year.
Saving jazz and blues... One musician at a time.
The family asks that donations be made in Freddie's name to the Jazz Foundation of America:
Donations online: www.jazzfoundation.org
or make checks payable: Jazz Foundation of America
322 West 48th Street 6th floor
New York City 10036
Attn: In honor of Freddie Hubbard
Special thanks to St. John the Divine for all they are doing to make this possible.
Genie Grant Zoller
The UNT jazz community joins the Dallas-Fort Worth musicians community in mourning the passing of singer Genie Grant Zoller, wife of pianist and composer Dave Zoller. Notice from the Dallas Morning News.
Jason Levi publishes "Fathers of First Trumpet"
Jason Levi, former lead trumpet player in the One O'Clock Lab Band, has published the book "Fathers of First Trumpet," a study of the styles of Eugene “Snooky” Young, Al Porcino and Conrad Gozzo. For more information, see the site fathersoffirsttrumpet.com.
UNT students recognized in Down Beat Student Music Awards
Congratulations to the following UNT Jazz Studies students who were recognized in the Down Beat Student Music Awards, published in the June 2009 issue:
Jazz Vocal Soloist - College Outstanding Performance: Tatiana Mayfield
Jazz Arrangement - College Winners: Sara Jacovino and Kevin Swaim
30 Years of Vocal Jazz: A Big Success
On behalf of UNT Jazz Studies, I'd like to congratulate Paris and Lynne Rutherford, Joy Wright, Pamela King, Rosana and Gary Eckert, Darla Mayes, Craig Marshall, the staff of the Murchison Performing Arts Center, everyone else at UNT who helped with it, and all of the current and alumni Jazz Singers and rhythm section players who participated. It was great to hear the stories by alumni on Friday night. Saturday's performance was first-rate from beginning to end and the audience turnout was very strong despite flu worries and tornado warnings. --J. Murphy
2009 North Texas Jazz Festival in Addison Awards
The following groups were recognized at the 2009 North Texas Jazz Festival in Addison.
Selected Vocal Groups
High School:
Floyd "Fessor" Graham Award
Jazz Choir I, Folsom High School, Folsom, CA, Curtis Gaesser, director
College:
Paris Rutherford Award
Badinage, Hutchinson Community College, Hutchinson, KS, Neal Allsup, director
Selected Combos
High School:
Jack Petersen Award
Adelphi University High School Jazz Combo, Adelphi University, Garden City, NJ, Doug Renoud and Dave Lobenstein, directors
College:
Rich Matteson Award
Friends University Soulstice, Friends University, Wichita, KS, Lisa Hittle, director
Selected Big Bands
High School:
Leon Breeden Award
Folsom High School One O'clock Jazz Band, Folsom High School, Folsom, CA, Curtis Gaesser, director
College:
Dr. M.E. "Gene" Hall Award
Two groups awarded this year:
UT Arlington Jazz Orchestra, UT Arlington, Arlington, TX, Tim Ishii, director
Jackson State University Jazz Ensemble I, Jackson State University, Jackson, MS, Dr. Russell Thomas, Jr., director
Most Outstanding Soloists
Neil Slater Award for Most Outstanding College Soloist
Two students awarded this year:
Jordan Donald, tenor saxophone, Texas Southern University
Marcel Salas, bass, Miami Dade College
Most Outstanding Saxophone Soloist
(Receives scholarship to UNT Jazz Combo Workshop)
Two students awarded this year:
Max Paymer, tenor saxophone, Adelphi University H.S. Combo
Daniel Ko, alto saxophone, Ottawa Junior Jazz Band
Most Outstanding H.S. Rhythm Player
(Receives scholarship to UNT Jazz Combo Workshop)
Two students awarded this year:
Evan Allen, piano, Adelphi University H.S. Combo
Bill Vanderhaar, bass, HSPVA
Most Outstanding Trumpet Soloist
(Receives scholarship to UNT Trumpet/Trombone/ Saxophone Workshop)
Nathan Williams, Friends University
Most Outstanding Trombone Soloist
(Receives scholarship to UNT Trumpet/Trombone/ Saxophone Workshop)
Jose Loredo, Texas Southern University
UNT to be represented at Essentially Ellington College Fair at Jazz at Lincoln Center
At Jazz at Lincoln Center's Essentially Ellington Competition on May 10, there will be a college fair where high school students can learn about college jazz programs. John Murphy will represent UNT Jazz Studies there by meeting with high school players and sharing information about our program with printed material, audio, and videos.
UNT Jazz has had music business in the curriculum since 1982
It's true, and we have Neil Slater to thank for it: The Jazz Lecture Series. Each guest, in addition to playing and taking questions about musical topics, speaks and takes questions about the business side of music. Some go into more detail than others, but every guest has something to offer the student musician who is planning a career in this music. We're working on adding more courses on music business and technology topics. Stay tuned.
Li Xiaochuan Quartet to tour in China this summer
Trumpeter and current student Li Xiaochuan and his quartet will tour China this summer, including the performance above in Shanghai. Li is joined by Brian Girley on alto sax, Roberto Verastegui on piano and organ, and Zach Forsyth on drums (all are current or former UNT jazz students). See www.myspace.com/lixiaochuanmusic for the complete tour schedule.
Lou Marini & Sandra Kaye with Brad Leali & Shelley Carrol in Dallas May 8
The Brad Leali-Shelley Carrol Big Band welcomes guests Lou Marini (saxophone) and Sandra Kaye (vocals).
Friday, May 8, 2009, 8-11 p.m.
Sandaga Market
1325 E. Levee, Dallas, 75207
Murphy in China
I will spend a month in China from late May to mid June to work on two projects. One is collaborating with UNT alumnus and guitarist Landon Mattox to do workshops and concerts at Xinghai Conservatory in Guangzhou, where Landon teaches, and at Shanghai Conservatory. The other is to represent the College of Music in the "UNT in the World: Global Scholar Development Program," organized by UNT-International, in which a group of UNT professors and administrators will visit universities, conservatories, and cultural sites to learn about China and spread awareness of UNT in China. The group will travel to Beijing, Kunming, Dali, Lijiang, Xi'an, Nanjing, and Shanghai. Prof. Gene Cho, of the UNT music theory faculty, with whom I took my first course in ethnomusicology, chose the Chinese version of my name, Muh Yuehan, shown above. A possible outcome of this trip is travel to China by UNT Jazz Studies students, faculty, and ensembles in future years. --John Murphy
UNT Jazz Septet at Crested Butte Music Festival
The UNT Jazz Septet will play original music and collaborate with Daniel Schnyder at the 2009 Crested Butte Music Festival in Colorado. The festival concert is on July 21. They'll also play other concerts while there. From left: Luke Brimhall, trombone; Jacob Smith, bass; Peter Brewer, trumpet; Colin Hinton, drums; Austin Byrd, piano; Pete Clagett, trumpet; John Murphy, tenor saxophone.
Li Xiaochuan, UNT Jazz student
Li Xiaochuan, UNT Jazz student from northtexasjazz on Vimeo.
Li Xiaochuan, master's student in Jazz Studies at the University of North Texas in Denton, Texas, USA, is shown rehearsing with a big band, speaking in Chinese to music students in China about his experiences at UNT, and playing with his small group at a local coffeehouse.
Congratulations to Spring 2009 graduates
UNT Jazz Studies Division congratulates these spring 2009 jazz studies graduates:
Bachelor of Arts
Patrick Bubert
Bachelor of Music
David Abrams
Brian Allgaier
James Blackwell
Cole Freeman
Cheung Chun Ho (Teriver)
Francesca Johnson
Mike Maneechote
Brad Mezei
Matt Moore
Chris Reardon
Kathryn Stachitus
Lawrence Williams, Jr.
Hajime Yoshida
Master of Music
Hyuck Bang
Hyo Choi
Hyounwoo Choi
Ryan Davidson
Maristella Feustle
Veronica Garcia-Melendez
Tim Goynes
John Guari
WonHwa Hong
Hyoung Jun Kim
Derek Molacek
Chris Nicholas
Dave Richards
Graham Richards
Sasha Tuck
Brad Williams
Master of Music Education
Thad Bonduris
Steve Wiest featured in Denton Record-Chronicle
Link to the feature by Lucinda Breeding.
New Jazz Singers Photos
Two new Jazz Singers photo albums are now available:
Dylanfest was a great success.
The Denton music community once again showed how it cares. At our two concerts we raised over $3,000. Visit: www.dylanfest.org or www.texzimmerman.com for more details.
One O'Clock Lab Band, Brad Leali to perform at World Saxophone Congress in Thailand
From the UNT press release: The One O'Clock Lab Band at the University of North Texas has been invited to perform at one of the world's largest gatherings of professional, amateur and student saxophonists – the 15th World Saxophone Congress.
This year's gathering will be held from July 7 to 12 (Tuesday to Sunday) at Mahidol University in Bangkok, Thailand. The One O'Clock Lab Band's performance at 7 p.m. July 11 (Saturday) will be the feature jazz band performance for the event. The band welcomes James Carter and UNT Prof. Brad Leali as guest soloists. The band leaves on July 8 (Wednesday).
News from alumnus Paul Lamoureux
Paul Lamoureux was one of the first graduates of the UNT Master's program in Jazz Studies and played bari in the Three O'Clock as well as tenor in most other bands. After a a 20-year absence from the U.S., living in Toronto, he is back in the U.S. He recently won a job as the Assistant Bandleader of Cirque du Soleil's "O" show at the Bellagio Hotel in Las Vegas, NV. It's a challenging sax/keyboard/music technology job. He would enjoy hearing from other alumni. His email is paul@lamchops.co.
30 Years of Vocal Jazz DVD, new Jazz Singers CD
The DVD of the "30 Years of Vocal Jazz" May 2nd celebration in honor of Paris Rutherford is now available via the Jazz Studies Office. The new CD by the Jazz Singers, directed by Paris Rutherford, "The Cost Of Living" will be available on July 24, 2009. Call (940) 565-3743 to order.
Ron Jones featured in International Musician
Saxophonist and alumnus Ron Jones is featured in the June 2009 issue of International Musician, the monthly magazine of the American Federation of Musicians of the United States and Canada.
Darla Mayes celebrates 25 years of service to UNT
Darla Mayes, our indispensable administrative assistant, celebrates 25 years of service to UNT this month. She's not retiring, just marking the milestone and continuing to run the jazz studies office. We invite alumni and friends of the program to send her your good wishes at darla.mayes@unt.edu. Photo: Darla and Neil in the good old days.
Jeffry Eckels subs for Lynn Seaton in fall 2009
Jeffry Eckels will serve as Lynn Seaton's sabbatical replacement during the Fall 2009 semester. His bio has just been added to our faculty page.
Graduate funding opportunity for New Americans
Forwarded from John Scott of the College of Music:
A great opportunity for graduate funding for 2010-2011
The Paul and Daisy Soros Fellowships for New Americans.
Thirty fellowships up to $20,000 annually plus half tuition (up to $16,000). A total of 30 awarded.
Senior in a bachelor’s program or no more than two years into a graduate program.
Status as a “New American”
Holder of a Green Card
Naturalized Citizen
Child of Two Naturalized Citizen Parents
Application deadline: November 1, 2009
http://www.pdsoros.org/
Courtney Guyon on tour with Willie Nelson
Saxophonist and recent Jazz M.M. graduate Courtney Guyon is touring with Willie Nelson and sent this report: "I played alto right next to Willie. He would turn and look at me to play eight-measure solos."
Victor Barranco earns spot in U.S. Army Blues band
UNT alumnus Victor Barranco has been named to the 3rd trombone spot in the U.S. Army Blues jazz band. Source: a news item by jason Hausback.
Steve Wiest interiewed on KERA's program "Think"
Thanks to www.kera.org for providing this video.
Steve Wiest was interviewed by KERA's Jerome Weeks on the "Think" program recently.
Here's a link to the video.
Opportunity: Rhythm Road
The Rhythm Road: American Music Abroad is a partnership between Jazz at Lincoln Center and the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. The program is designed to foster cultural exchange with audiences worldwide through performance and educational outreach.
Applying ensembles must be comprised of four musicians and must perform in one of the following American musical styles: jazz, urban/hip hop, or American roots music (including blues, bluegrass, Cajun, gospel, zydeco, and country). Each applicant musician must be at least 21 years of age, a U.S. citizen, and hold a valid U.S. passport.
Selected ensembles tour to such regions as Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East for approximately one month. International activities include public concerts, master classes, lectures, demonstrations, workshops, jam sessions, media outreach, and collaborations with local musicians.
The U.S. Department of State funds international travel, hotels, and meals, and awards a modest tour honorarium to each musician.
Complete program information is available at the JALC Web site.
Opportunity: Monk Institute Bass Competition
PDF of poster
Lynn Seaton sends this information to the UNT jazz community:
From: J.B. Dyas
Sent: Thursday, July 23, 2009 2:08 PM
To: J.B. Dyas
Subject: Monk Institute Bass Competition Deadline August 3
Hi everyone,
Just a reminder/request to please let your best bass students/colleagues (age 30 and younger) know that the application deadline for the Thelonious Monk Institute’s International Bass Competition is August 3rd.
First prize is $20,000 plus a recording contract with Concord Records; second prize is $10,000; third prize is $5,000. The finals will be held at the Kennedy Center in DC on October 10-11; all the semi-finalists (probably about 10) will be provided the trip to DC all-expenses paid.
The judges this year are Christian McBride, Ron Carter, Dave Holland, John Patitucci, Charlie Hayden, Bob Hurst, and David Baker. Also appearing at the gala will be the likes of Herbie, Wayne, McCoy Tyner, Jason Moran, George Duke, Joe Lovano, Jimmy Heath, Terence Blanchard, Geoff Keezer, Nicholas Payton, Terri Lyne Carrington, Dianne Reeves, Bobby McFerrin, Dee Dee Bridgewater, and more. Should be quite a party...
More info and an application form can be found on our website at www.monkinstitute.org.
Thanks everybody.
Warm regards,
JB
J.B. Dyas, PhD
Vice President
Education and Curriculum Development
Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz
www.monkinstitute.org
Nov. 22 CD/DVD will come out this academic year
We get frequent inquiries about when the DVD/CD of the Nov. 22, 2008 Jazz Legends event will be finished. We are as eager as our alumni are to see this released during the 2009-2010 academic year. In spring 2009 our focus was the two faculty searches; in summer 2009, preparing Lab 2009 for release. Here are a few screencaptures to show that the as-yet unedited video exists. --John Murphy
Michal Garcia's photos of the One O'Clock Lab Band and Brad Leali in Thailand
Michal Garcia is a fine photographer based in Asia who also happens to be a UNT jazz alumnus. He sent us 85 high-quality photos of the One O'Clock Lab Band's recent trip to Thailand with guest artists Prof. Brad Leali and James Carter. Link to photos.
Sean Jacobi's recital on July 27, 2009: historic?
On tonight's excellent senior bass recital by Sean Jacobi, he was joined by brothers Ryan (UNT alumnus) on drums and Kevin (student at SUNY-Purchase) on alto saxophone and father Brian on trombone. Chris Villanueva played piano. Is anybody aware of another UNT jazz degree recital that four family members played on? If so, please let me know and I'll post it here.--John Murphy
Update: On Joel Cross's senior recital, which he shared with Sylvester Onyejiaka, and was notable for the large number of performers (and audience members!), his sisters Danette, Erin , and Leslie Cross sang alto in the choir; his brother Samuel Cross played keyboard; and the Song "Jesus, My Sweet Jesus" was written by his father Kirklin Cross Sr.
Jazz Ambassadors at Bass Hall on Oct. 13
Just got this from our friends at Bass Hall:
We are happy to announce the appearance of the Jazz Ambassadors of The United States Army Field Band at Bass Performance Hall.
Tuesday, October 13 7:00 p.m.
Free of charge
You must have a ticket to enter.
To reserve tickets for your group
Contact the Box Office at 817.212.4280 or
at www.basshall.com after August 28
Current members of the Jazz Ambassadors include--
Andrew Layton, Patrick Shook, Bradford Danho, Joshua Fox, Michael Buckley, Michael Bravin, Kevin Watt, Jack Wengrosky and Timothy Young
**All former students of University of North Texas**
Meeting for all new Jazz Studies majors
There will be a required meeting for all new Jazz Studies majors on Tuesday, August 25 from 1-2 p.m. in Kenton Hall (room 282). This is for both undergraduates and graduates.
You'll meet the faculty and receive information about proficiency exams and auditions.
Leon Breeden will receive an honorary doctorate from UNT on Aug. 14, 2009
UNT Professor Emeritus Leon Breeden, Director of the One O'Clock Lab Band and Chair of the Jazz Studies program for 22 years, will be awarded an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters. The honorary degree will be conferred at the Doctoral Commencement and Hooding Ceremony on Friday, Aug. 14, 2009, at 7 p.m. in Winspear Hall at the Murchison Performing Arts Center on UNT's Denton campus.
This page has further information about commencement ceremonies.
All of the summer 2009 commencement ceremonies will be streamed live on the web.
See this page for more information.
New courses on career development, recording, and music business entrepreneurship
From today's memo by Associate Dean Warren Henry:
Dear Colleagues,
We are looking forward to launching a new initiative to provide a series of Career Development courses for students in the College of Music. I want to bring to your attention to three new courses that will be offered this year and hope that you will encourage your students to take advantage of these unique opportunities. For additional information, please do not hesitate to contact the instructors.
Two courses will be offered this fall:
Developing Your Professional Career in Music (2 credits)
MUGC 4890/5890.008
Open to undergraduate and graduate students
Fall, 2009
Mondays, 11:00 – 12:50
Instructor: Debbie Brooks
Email:
Introduction to Audio and Recording Technology (3 credits)
MUGC 4890/5890.001
Open to undergraduate and graduate students
Fall, 2009
Fridays, 1:00 – 3:50
Instructor: Blair Liikala
Email:
We have one course scheduled for the spring semester:
Music Industry Entrepreneurship (3 credits)
Open to undergraduate and graduate students
Spring, 2010
Time and date to be announced later in the fall semester
Instructor: Jason Levi
Email:
Feel free to pass this information along to your students, and please join me in welcoming Debbie, Blair and Jason in their new roles as instructors for our 2009-2010 Career Development courses.
Sincerely,
Dr. Warren Henry
Associate Dean for Academic Affairs
University of North Texas, College of Music
Alumni news from Oso Closo
Oso Closo, the band that includes several UNT jazz studies alumni, spent the summer working on their second album, Today is Beauty's Birthday. It will be released soon and they're having a couple shows in Denton to support it. Guest artists on the recording include UNT faculty member Christopher Deane and alumni Carl Murr, Clay Pritchard, Victor Barranco, and more. Here is information on the shows:
Sunday, August 30 - Acoustic Show/CD Listening Party at Art Six Coffee House - 6 pm.
Friday, September 4 - CD Release Show at Hailey's - 9 pm.
Two songs from the new recording can be heard at www.myspace.com/osocloso.
The members of Oso Closo are Adrian Hulet, Chris McQueen, Danny Garcia, Andy Rogers, and Ryan Jacobi.
UNT recognized by U.S. News & World Report
From the UNT press release:
"UNT tied for ninth among public National Universities on U.S. News & World and Report's "Top Up-and-Coming Schools" list in its America's Best Colleges, 2010 Edition. UNT was the only Texas public university on the list, which includes such institutions as Arizona State University, Clemson University and Ohio State University-Columbus.
Peer assessments propelled UNT into U.S. News & World Report's article, "Keep an Eye on These Schools," stating that UNT is among the top schools making "the most promising and innovative changes in academics, faculty, students, campus or facilities," as recognized by the magazine's panel of experts."
Kait Dunton, "Young Lioness"
Pianist, composer, and recent UNT master's graduate Kait Dunton is profiled in S. Victor Aaron's article "The Young Lionesses: 10 Future Female Jazz Stars" at jazz.com. Kait is starting work on a DMA in Jazz at USC this fall.
Idit Shner's CD "Tuesday's Blues" reviewed
Alexander Gelfand reviews saxophonist and UNT alumna Idit Shner's CD "Tuesday's Blues" in Tablet.
UNT English Professor Walton Muyumba will discuss his new book on jazz on KERA
From our friends at KERA:
UNT professor Walton Muyumba will be a guest on Think next week to discuss his new book "The Shadow and the Act: Black Intellectual Practice, Jazz Improvisation, and Philosophical Pragmatism" (Chicago, 2009). Jerome Weeks will interview him during the Art&Seek segment on Friday, September 4 at 7:30 p.m. on KERA-TV. The program will be streamed afterwards at www.kera.org/think. Additional information regarding the guest lineup for next week follows.
Think airs from noon to 2:00 p.m. Monday to Thursday on KERA-FM and every Friday except the last Friday of the month at 7:30 p.m. on KERA-TV. Podcasts and streamed video are available online after broadcast at www.kera.org/think.
Lab 2009 is now available
Lab 2009 is now available for purchase in the Jazz Studies Office, Music Building 284.
Two important meetings for students
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1 – RECITAL HALL – 4 and 6pm
MUSIC STUDENTS and FACULTY are invited to Join us in the Recital Hall at 6pm for the workshop:
MUSIC 101 – How to be a Successful Music Student
Refreshments and door prize drawings following at 7pm
Tuesday, Sept 1st – 4pm – Recital Hall
Required Meeting for ALL INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
Annual informational meeting for all our international students –
New and Continuing students, Graduate, Second Bachelor and Undergraduate Students should attend
Light refreshments with door prize drawings at 5pm
Meet with Becky King, Music Liaison for International Students
And other MUSIC Personalities for latest news and updates to make your life easier!
If you are not able to attend, please stop by MU 260 to sign the ABSENTEE List on Becky Hughes's desk.
New Jazz Singers CD "The Cost of Living" now available
The new Jazz Singers CD "The Cost Of Living" is now available in the Jazz Studies office, and for mail order. CD contents are listed here.
Alejandro Florez profiled at allaboutjazz.com
New York-based guitarist and UNT alumnus Alejandro Florez is profiled at allaboutjazz.com.
Alumnus Thad Bonduris and his School of Rock
Guitarist and alumnus Thad Bonduris and his School of Rock are featured in this article by Lucinda Breeding in the Denton Record-Chronicle. He developed a rock band curriculum for young people as part of a recently-completed master's in music education at UNT. He studied in the UNT jazz program in the 1970s and took master's level classes in jazz studies during his music ed graduate work.
Li Xiaochaun Quartet tours China
Li Xiaochuan
The Li Xiaochuan Quartet, composed of current UNT Jazz Studies students, recently toured China. The group played 17 gigs in 6 cities and was featured on RTHK radio in Hong Kong.
The quartet's members come from the US, Mexico and China. Roberto Verastegui, the pianist of the group, has previously toured in Hong Kong with the band "Nobody's Business" and will tour Japan in October. The group's pioneering efforts have led to a successful collection of shows, with a small portion of the Hong Kong promotion done by UNT Alumni - Asia: http://bit.ly/NTasia. UNT Alumni - Asia facilitates social networking and professional collaboration worldwide and strongly encourages participation in helping to globalize the North Texas educational experience.
Photography by michalgarcia.com
Brian Girley
Roberto Verastegui
Zach Forsyth
Faculty Search: Jazz Arranging & Composition
The UNT Jazz Studies Division announces the opening of a faculty search in jazz arranging & composition. The deadline is November 18, 2009.
Link to UNT facultyjobs website, where applications are submitted
North Texas Jazz Festival is Suspended
A Special Message about the North Texas Jazz Festival from the UNT Jazz Studies Division
The North Texas Jazz Festival will not take place in April 2010 due to budget constraints that made it necessary for the Town of Addison to end its support of the festival (see the statement below from the Town of Addison). At this time, the festival is suspended while we investigate options for the future.
We wish to thank each of you who have participated in the festival over the years as invited school groups, guest artists, audience members, adjudicators, clinicians, presenters, sponsors, support staff, media partners, host hotels, and vendors. Your involvement made the event a dynamic educational festival over its nine-year existence.
We also wish to thank the Town of Addison for its generous support of this event, including the Town Council, Mayor Joe Chow, and City Manager Ron Whitehead. The Town of Addison Special Events Division worked tirelessly to make this event unique. The UNT Jazz Studies Division is grateful for this support of our educational endeavor.
We hope to find a way to continue the North Texas Jazz Festival in the near future. More information will be posted to the festival home page and UNT Jazz Studies website as it becomes available.
Craig Marshall
Festival Director
John Murphy
Chair, UNT Jazz Studies Division
From the Town of Addison
After nine years of wonderful collaboration with the University of North Texas Jazz Studies Division, the Town of Addison has decided to discontinue hosting the North Texas Jazz Festival in 2010.
We are proud of the outstanding educational and performance opportunities the festival has provided thousands of students from across the nation and the world. We have certainly been inspired by the incredibly talented participants and we will miss hearing and seeing them performing at the festival.
The pressures of the current economic condition necessitate that the Town of Addison take a different course in regards to the festival. We wish to express our heartfelt appreciation to the University of North Texas and the hundreds of schools for supporting and believing in the festival. We look forward to exploring additional opportunities the future may hold.
Lynn Seaton is guest artist with UCO Jazz Lab
Oklahoma native Lynn Seaton, who is on sabbatical this semester, will be the featured guest artist in a concert by the University of Central Oklahoma Jazz Lab at the UCO campus in Edmond on Monday Sept. 14, 2009. For further information, see this NewsOK.com article.
"Too Two" CD release party Sept. 16, 2009
Jazz at the Syndicate Sept. 17, 2009
JAZZ @ THE SYNDICATE!!!
WHEN: THURSDAY 9/17
TIME: 9PM
COVER- $7
WHO?
Pianist Joe LoCascio and saxophonist Woody Witt have performed together for nearly 20 years. Their playing is documented on a number of CDs - "Woody Witt" (self-titled debut cd, 2001), "Live at Cezanne" (Apria,2007), "Willows" (Apria, 2008) and most recently,"Seasons Ago" (Heart Music, 2009), covering the songs of Alec Wilder.
Drummer J.T. Bates and bassist Adam Linz are fixtures on the Minneapolis music scene and co-founders of the band, Fat Kid Wednesdays, also featuring saxophonist Mike Lewis. Bates is featured on Witt's CD "Live at Cezanne." Both Linz and Bates performed with LoCascio and Witt on a recent visit to the Twin Cities, at the nationally-known Dakota Jazz Club. The group chemistry and interplay between these 4 musicians is very strong.
They will be exploring many new compositions by LoCascio and Witt in addition to playing familiar standards. On this Texas tour, the group will also perform at Sam Houston State University, University of Texas Arlington, Cezanne and Houston Community College. The shows at HCC will be recorded for future release.
Websites -
Woody Witt - www.woodywitt.com
Joe LoCascio - http://www.myspace.com/joelocascio1
J.T. Bates - http://www.myspace.com/jthomasbates
Fat Kid Wednesdays - http://www.myspace.com/fatkidwednesdays
One O'Clock Lab Band in Kerrville Oct. 10, 2009
An Evening of Great Jazz: The world-renowned UNT One O’Clock Lab Band
Coming to the Cailloux Theater, Kerrville
October 10, 7:30 - 10:00
Tickets available at (830) 896-9393
www.caillouxtheater.com; visa or mastercard accepted; $35, Students $20
All proceeds from this concert to support the Peterson Regional Medical Center
Ice-Nine by Steve Wiest from Lab 2009: The One O'Clock Lab Band in the Studio
Li'l Darlin' by Neal Hefti, arranged by Kevin Swaim from Lab 2009
Lab 2009 Montage
Pianist and alumna Julie Bonk profiled
Pianist and alumna Julie Bonk is profiled by newspaper in her home state. Her site is www.juliebonk.com.
"Another Other" by Neil Slater from Lab 2009
Soloists: Sylvester Onyejiaka, tenor saxophone; Pete Clagett, fluegelhorn
For information on voting for The One O'Clock for Grammy Consideration click here!
One O'Clock Lab Band at McDavid Studio
The One O'Clock Lab Band plays its second annual "Dreaming of Birdland" Maynard Ferguson tribute concert at McDavid on Oct. 15 at 7:30. Save the image locally to see it at its full size.
Four new videos from Lab 2009
Dave and Graham Richards interviewed
Dave and Graham Richards were interviewed by Bob Barboza of www.KidsTalkRadio.com for a piece on "Keeping Jazz Alive."
Brave Combo at Syndicate, with Q&A in Kenton Hall
Alumnus Kerry Marsh forms choirs for Ben Folds tour
Singer, arranger and alumnus Kerry Marsh has been auditioning singers via YouTube to sing in a backup chorus for Ben Folds as he plays with symphony orchestras in various cities. On 9/30/2009, he's playing at the Meyerson in Dallas and current students Kathryn Stachitus, Kathryn Lachey, Kaela Kahn, Trenton Hull and Chase Johnson are singing in the chorus. On 10/10/2009, alumnus John Guari sings with him in Providence, RI. Kerry is touring to all the places and singing. Thanks to John Guari for this news item.
Bassist Julia Adamy profiled
Photo by Tanner Ellison Photography, at pegasusnews.com
Bassist and current student Julia Adamy is profiled by Sarah Crisman at pegasusnews.com.
Survey about next spring's Music Business Entrepreneurship course
Jason Levi, who will teach the new Music Business Entrepreneurship course next spring, has created a survey to gather information about prospective students and what would help them get the most out of the class. Please take this survey if you plan to take the course next spring or in a future semester.
David Wild and co-authors recognized for The John Coltrane Reference
David Wild is one of the co-authors of The John Coltrane Reference along with Chris DeVito, Yasuhiro Fujioka, Wolf Schmaler, and General Editor Lewis Porter. He's also a new student in the UNT Jazz Studies master's program. Congratulations to David and his colleagues for the receiving the 2009 Award for Excellence in Historical Recorded Sound Research from the Association for Recorded Sound Collections.
Red Holloway in Concert
New release from Tyler Summers
![]() |
Saxophonist and alumnus Tyler Summers is joined by other UNT alumni on his new release, "Live at the Cellar." Here's more information about the album and where to purchase it. Also featured are Stockton Helbing, Matt Wigton, and Brad Turner.
|
Fred Hamilton releases "Afternoon of the Soul" CD
Fred Hamilton has released Afternoon of the Soul, a very eclectic CD recorded in Calcutta, Seattle and Denton featuring Ed Soph, Marc Seales from the University of Washington, Tarun Bhattacharya, Rob Avsharian and James Driscoll. There are solo, duet and trio versions of new music that was written during spring 2009 while on leave from UNT. It is available for digital download or hard copy purchase at www.fredhamilton.com.
Dave Pietro is here this week
Saxophonist and UNT alumnus Dave Pietro is on campus this week as guest artist with the small group program, which Stefan Karlsson directs. He plays a concert in Tuesday, Oct. 6 in Kenton Hall at 8 p.m. with Stefan Karlsson, piano, Fred Hamilton, bass, and Stockton Helbing, drums.
Brave Combo plays Syndicate, offers Q&A session for students
Brave Combo will play the Syndicate on Tuesday Oct. 6 at 9 p.m. Admission is $5. That same day from 4-5 p.m. members of the band will host a Q&A session for music students in Kenton Hall.
Rosana Eckert releases "Small Hotel" CD
Rosana Eckert’s long-awaited second full-band CD, Small Hotel, will be released on October 26, 2009. Guided once again by the creative voice of husband/writer/producer Gary Eckert, the half-acoustic/half-electric project features new original songs and arrangements by Rosana as well as some very special contributions from world renowned jazz artists Marvin Stamm, Christian McBride, and Michele Weir.
www.rosanaeckert.com | CD release performances
Floyd Graham Society meets on Oct. 17, 2009
The next meeting of the Floyd Graham Society is on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2009. Denis DiBlasio and Steve Wiest are the featured guest artists. Read all about this performance and more in the 'Fessorgram (newsletter in PDF). From the newsletter: "The FLOYD GRAHAM SOCIETY is an organization of individuals devoted to the memory of (Pro-)’FESSOR FLOYD GRAHAM, who helped so many students at UNT, entertained thousands, and taught and inspired many more to become successful, each in his or her own field. To his memory and ideals this organization is dedicated. It was founded by J.B. Woodrum in 1972."
Welcome JazzTimes Jazz Education Guide readers
If you are visiting this site after reading our entry on p. 93 of the 2009-2010 JazzTimes Jazz Education Guide, welcome. There are several errors in the printed information. Here is the correct information:
Mailing address:
UNT Jazz Studies
1155 Union Circle #305040
Denton TX 76203-5017
Contact email: jazz@unt.edu
Number of students: 330. This is the total number of students in the Fall 2009 Jazz Registry, the jazz student directory. This total includes students with majors other than jazz studies who play in our ensembles. In Fall 2009 there are 204 undergraduate jazz studies majors, 55 graduate jazz studies majors, and around 15 students who are working on a second bachelor's degree in jazz studies (a temporary status, preparatory for entering the master's program).
Degrees: B.M. in Jazz Studies, M.M. in Jazz Studies. The College of Music's Graduate Artist Certificate, a small and selective non-degree program, is open to applications from jazz students. Our proposal to create a DMA in Jazz Studies at UNT is in preparation. It is too soon to announce a date when students will be accepted to that program.
Faculty:
Full-time Faculty
Tony Baker, Associate Professor. Applied jazz trombone; primary division: Instrumental Studies.
Rodney Booth, Lecturer. Applied jazz trumpet, Jazz Repertory Ensemble, Jazz Aural Fundamentals, Small group coaching.
Tim Brent, Assistant Professor. Director of Vocal Jazz; Jazz Singers I, applied vocal jazz, vocal jazz techniques.
Fred Hamilton, Professor. Applied jazz guitar, improvisation, rhythm section master class.
Stefan Karlsson, Professor. Applied jazz piano, improvisation, small groups, rhythm section master class.
Brad Leali, Assistant Professor. Applied jazz saxophone, Three O'Clock Lab Band, jazz performance fundamentals for saxophone.
John Murphy, Professor. Division chair; jazz history, analysis, and research methods.
Jay Saunders, Principal Lecturer. Applied jazz trumpet, Two O'Clock Lab Band, introduction to jazz recordings.
Lynn Seaton, Associate Professor. Applied jazz bass, improvisation, rhythm section master class.
Ed Soph, Professor. Applied jazz drumset, rhythm section master class. Primary division: Instrumental Studies.
Mike Steinel, Professor. Applied jazz trumpet, improvisation, pedagogy of jazz, jazz trumpet performance fundamentals.
Steve Wiest, Associate Professor. Coordinator of Lab Bands; One O'Clock Lab Band, Conducting College Jazz Ensembles.
Adjunct Faculty
José Aponte. Latin Jazz Lab.
Jeffrey Eckels. Applied jazz bass, improvisation. Sabbatical replacement for Lynn Seaton.
Rosana Eckert. Applied vocal jazz, vocal jazz techniques.
Dan Haerle, Emeritus Professor. Applied jazz piano.
Noel Johnston, applied jazz guitar.
Rich McClure, applied jazz guitar.
18 Teaching fellows and teaching assistants
Upcoming One O'Clock Lab Band Events
Thursday, October 15, 7:30 pm
UNT Jazz Alumni Event October 16
UNT Jazz Alumni Hang!
Featuring Guest Artist Denis DiBlasio
Friday, October 16: The Syndicate 8:00pm-Closing
We will have an Alumni Lab Band that will play classic charts from the jazz library, changing personnel every couple of pieces. Guest artist Denis DiBlasio will be sitting in as well. All alumni of the UNT Jazz program are invited to bring your horns and come by The Syndicate. Cash bar and munchies. Come play jazz, network, and have a great time!
Thursday, November 5, 6:00 pm, Dallas Museum of Art, Dallas
One O'Clock Lab Band performs at the DMA "Jazz in the Atrium" Series.
Friday, November 6, 8:00 pm, Gateway Center
One O'Clock Lab Band headlines the KNTU 40th Anniversary Event.
KNTU's 40th anniversary
DENTON, TX (KNTU) Join us as we celebrate 40 years of broadcasting at KNTU.
Two special events are coming up -- a football tailgating party on Sat., Oct. 17, then a reception and concert on Fri., Nov. 6.
Join us at the KNTU tent we'll have set up in the Mean Green Village outside Fouts Field for the Homecoming game between North Texas and Florida Atlantic. We'll do some live broadcasting on 88.1 while we have a Meet 'n Greet beginning at 12:00 p.m. Then we'll slice up an anniversary cake at 2:00 p.m. At 5:30 p.m. The Green Guys tailgating show will go on the air leading up to the 6:00 p.m. Mean Green Radio Network pregame show. Kickoff of the Homecoming game is scheduled for 7:00 p.m.
Closer to the actual anniversary date we'll have a get together at the Gateway Center on the University of North Texas - Denton campus. Starting at 6:00 p.m., you'll have the chance to talk about old times, meet current KNTU staffers, and enjoy some hors d'oeuvres. At 8:00 p.m., you can enjoy a special One O'Clock Lab Band concert now being led by Steve Wiest.
We hope to see you at both events!
---KNTU.fm
Tuesday, November 24, 8:00 pm, Winspear
One O'Clock Lab Band 50th Annual Fall Concert with guest artist John Mosca, trombonist and director of the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra
Thursday, December 3, 7:30 pm, McDavid Studio, Fort Worth
"Holidays with The One O'Clock" The One O'Clock Lab Band first-ever concert featuring the very best big band arrangements of Holiday favorites, including selections from the Stan Kenton, Maynard Ferguson, Duke Ellington, Count Basie, and North Texas Lab Band Libraries!
For info on all events, visit www.TheOneOClock.com.
Oct. 13, 2009: UNT Jazz Repertory Ensemble in Denton, U.S. Army Jazz Ambassadors in Ft. Worth
On Oct. 13, 2009, you can hear the UNT Jazz Repertory Ensemble play its first concert under the direction of Rodney Booth at 8 p.m. in Kenton Hall, or the U.S. Army Jazz Ambassadors at 7 p.m. at Bass Hall in Ft. Worth. Several UNT alumni play with the Ambassadors.
Roberto Verastegui's Japanese tour
Alumnus Kerry Marsh profiled
Vocalist and alumnus Kerry Marsh is profiled in his hometown paper on the occasion of his work on the Ben Folds tour.
Tatiana Mayfield and Erskine Hawkins release "From All Directions" CD
Vocalist Tatiana Mayfield and pianist Erskine Hawkins, both current students, have released the CD "From All Directions." The supporting musicians include many current and former students.
Two Firsts on October 14, 2009: Jazz Repertory Ensemble and Latin Jazz Lab
The Jazz Repertory Ensemble played its first concert under new director Rodney Booth on Oct. 13, 2009 in Kenton Hall. On Oct. 14, 2009, the group played its first Syndicate gig under Booth's direction. In the photo above, Micah Bell solos on "O Sole Mio."
The Latin Jazz Ensemble is now a Lab. This means students can play in it to meet their Lab requirement just as they can in a Jazz Lab Band. Director José Aponte led the group in its first performance as a Lab at the Syndicate on Oct. 14, 2009.
Kathryn Lane profiled at pegasusnews.com
Photo by Tanner Ellison
Vocalist and current graduate student Kathryn Lane is profiled by Sarah Crisman at pegasusnews.com.
Terry Vosbein releases "Progressive Jazz 2009"
Terry Vosbein, a composer and Professor of Music at Washington and Lee University, has released the CD "Progressive Jazz 2009," which includes music from the Stan Kenton library and his own original works, played by the Knoxville Jazz Orchestra. This CD draws on the extensive research that Prof. Vosbein has done in the Stan Kenton collection at the University of North Texas Music Library. See the article on the CD at allaboutjazz.com.
KNTU celebrates its 40th anniversary
KNTU will celebrate 40 years of broadcasting on Nov. 6. The One O'Clock Lab Band will be part of the celebration. See the news article and the KNTU site for more information.
One O'Clock Lab Band Holiday Concert
"Holidays with The One O'Clock"
Thursday, December 3, 2009, 7:00 pm at McDavid Studio
The University of North Texas One O'Clock Lab Band will perform
an exciting show of Holiday favorites including works from the "Kenton Christmas"
Stan Kenton book, selections from Duke Ellington's "Nutcracker Suite", Maynard
Ferguson's "A Christmas for Moderns" and new holiday arrangements for the modern
big band.
Purchase tickets
General admission $30, Students $5
UT Dallas to present jazz trombonist John Fedchock
Kelly Durbin, UNT alumnus and director of the UT-Dallas Jazz Ensemble, sends this news:
Richardson, Texas (Oct. 20, 2009) — The School of Arts and Humanities at The University of Texas at Dallas presents renowned jazz trombonist, composer and arranger John Fedchock performing with the UT Dallas Jazz Ensemble at 8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 20, at the University Theatre. Admission is $20. Ticket price for UNT students: $5.
Fedchock will perform the first half of the concert with the UT Dallas Jazz Ensemble, a big band made up of UT Dallas students. Big band numbers will include Fedchock’s compositions of A Drop in the Bucket, Easy Goin', Blues over Easy, Bossa Rio, Midnight Passage and Skylight. The second half will feature Fedchock with guest artists Bobby Breaux, Carl Hillman, Rodney Booth, Karl Lampman, and Kelly Durbin.
The UT Dallas Jazz Ensemble is directed by UT Dallas faculty member Kelly Durbin. Its repertoire draws from music throughout the history of jazz ranging from artists such as The Original Dixieland Jazz Band, Glenn Miller, Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Thelonious Monk, Dizzy Gillespie and Weather Report.
Trombonist, bandleader and arranger, Fedchock is considered one of New York City’s premier jazz artists. The John Fedchock New York Big Band showcases Fedchock’s trombone playing and arranging, as well as the band’s all-star soloists. The band has recorded four critically acclaimed CDs for Reservoir Music, “New York Big Band,” “On The Edge,” “No Nonsense” and “Up & Running.” Two of these, “New York Big Band” and “On The Edge,” earned four-and-a-half star reviews in DOWNBEAT magazine, and were listed in DOWNBEAT’s “Best CDs of the 90’s.” For his arranging on “No Nonsense,” Fedchock was nominated for a 2003 Grammy Award for “Best Instrumental Arrangement.” The John Fedchock New York Big Band’s 2007 release, “Up & Running,” spent eight weeks in jazz radio’s Top Ten.
Fedchock began his career as a jazz trombonist with the legendary Woody Herman Orchestra in 1980. He toured with Herman’s “Thundering Herd” for seven years as musical director and featured soloist. He served as musical coordinator and chief arranger in the production of Herman’s last two Grammy-nominated albums, “50th Anniversary Tour” and “Woody’s Gold Star.”
Fedchock has toured with T.S. Monk, Gerry Mulligan’s Concert Jazz Band, Louie Bellson’s Big Band, the Bob Belden Ensemble, the Manhattan Jazz Orchestra and the Carnegie Hall Jazz Band. As a solo artist, he appears throughout the United States and has toured abroad as a guest trombonist/composer/conductor.
The University Theatre is located near Drive C in the center of the UT Dallas campus, 800 W. Campbell, Richardson. For more information, visit www.utdallas.edu/ah/events/
Media Contact: Kathryn Evans, UT Dallas, 972-883-2765,
(email preferred) or the Art and Performance Office, UT Dallas, 972-883-2982
Pardon our progress: Due to construction, visitors are asked to enter campus via University Parkway and to veer onto Armstrong to access parking lots A through D. For more information about campus construction, visit utdallas.edu/pardonourprogress.
Jazz Arranging and Composition Search deadline Nov. 18
The Nov. 18 deadline is approaching for our faculty search in Jazz Composition and Arranging. The search announcement is linked at the top left of the main page of this site.
Ryan Hurn with Andy Williams at Royal Albert Hall
Drummer and alumnus Ryan Hurn sends this photo taken at his Nov. 5, 2009 concert with Andy Williams at Royal Albert Hall in London.
Isaac Lausell's band profiled
Guitarist and alumnus Isaac Lausell and his band are profiled in this story in El Nuevo Día, a newspaper in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Here is Isaac's translation:
Music with out frontiers
By Rafael Vega Curry
The members of Proyecto EVIF don’t see themselves as jazz musicians and yet their compositions and performances embody the very essence of what jazz is.
Samuel Morales, Isaac Lausell, Jorge Vizcarrondo and Freddie Burgos are the members of Proyecto EVIF’s. Their ego-less endeavor is substituted for a genuine desire to work as a team. The acronym EVIF represents the initials of the group’s members.
Burgos, Vizcarrondo and Lausell know each other since they were students at Escuela Libre de Música (a public school for the performing arts) in their hometown, Humacao. Even though their academic careers took them to different places such as Texas, Boston and Madrid they would always come back to Puerto Rico to meet and play. The latest addition to the ensemble was Samuel Morales who is veteran bass player and college professor.
“We were dancing around the inevitable, what was natural,” says Lausell regarding the musicians coming to their senses and formally starting this musical venture.
The conversation with EVIF flowed in a very natural way, as if it was a collective improvisation.
“Incorporating everyone’s idea is essential to our sound,” says Lausell. Morales added, “Each of us brings in a musical piece and rest of us make suggestions. We listen to everyone’s suggestions in the band, we don’t have a leader”.
What could possibly be more jazz like than this? Lets take into consideration that those who perform in this genre pride themselves in taking group interaction to the highest possible level.
Even though jazz lies at the very core of EVIF’s philosophy they do not wished to be labeled under a specific genre. “What we do is creative instrumental music with improvisational elements,” says Morales with a smile being aware of the broadness of his definition. “The jazz element comes from the way we approach the music”.
“Jazz allows you to bring your sonic identity and insert it in its context” adds Lausell. The guitarist goes on to describe their musical fusion, “ we all grew up with Latin music, Puerto Rican folk music and rock. We’ve incorporated into our music what naturally suits us”.
Morales elaborates, “The audience is part of this music. They react by dancing, clapping, showing solemnity and with gestures and this affects the musician. We want people to have a good time”. This is why EVIF’s self titled record (available on cdbaby.com, Cronopios, La Tertulia and on Music Store) showcases several high energy and joyful pieces that blend jazz with elements of pop, rock and fusion.
Burgos discusses the importance of improvising well “ A solo should unravel in a manner that takes you from on place to another. It is like building something”.
Morales goes on to describe the other side of the coin “composing was one of the most important things for the greatest musicians and bands from the past. People now days play a lot of “standards’, but you have to make your own music”.
What is in store for these four musicians full with passion and commitment for their art?
Morales responds, “ We are rehearsing for our next CD. It does not have a release date. We are continuing the vision as our previous record but this time we are adding the sounds of the classical guitar and the flute”.
“We are expanding,” he added as always with a smile.
David Weiss directs Wayne Shorter Tribute Big Band
David Weiss, trumpeter, composer, and arranger, is an alumnus of UNT. He sent this notice:
ENDANGERED SPECIES: THE MUSIC OF WAYNE SHORTER
(with the Wayne Shorter Tribute Big Band Under the Direction of David Weiss)
Featuring
Taylor Haskins and Avishai Cohen- Trumpet
Tim Green- Alto Sax
Marcus Strickland- Tenor and Soprano Sax
J.D. Allen- Tenor Sax
Norbert Stachel- Baritone Sax and Bass Clarinet
Michael Dease and Andy Hunter- Trombone
Xavier Davis- Piano
Joe Sanders- Bass
Gene Jackson- Drums
Wednesday November 11
at
Iridium Jazz Club
1650 Broadway (at 51st Street)
(212)582-2121
http://www.iridiumjazzclub.com/
Sets at 8:30 and 10:30 pm
UNT video clip on the Oct. 16, 2009 alumni event
Vocalese Concert featuring Jon Hendricks, The Manhattan Transfer, and the New York Voices
The legendary jazz vocalist Jon Hendricks and his pals the Manhattan Transfer and the New York Voices will be joining forces to perform a night of vocal jazz music on 12/9/09 at the Winspear Opera House in Dallas.
This is the first time these 3 have ever performed together and it will be a night that any vocal jazz lover will not want to miss. Jon Hendricks, one of the titans of the vocalese art form performed on the Transfer album Vocalese, as well as wrote many of the vocalese lyrics that appear on that album. At the ripe young age of 88, Hendricks is truly a living jazz legend and he brings with him the experience of performing with some of the greatest jazz musicians who have ever lived including Charlie Parker, Dizzy Gillespie, Count Basie, and Ella Fitzgerald to name a few.
The Manhattan Transfer are responsible for bringing vocal jazz harmony into the households of the masses during their 35-year history. Their signature sound and diverse repertoire are the reasons they have had such commercial success, which has allowed them to produce such musically sophisticated albums as Vocalese and their latest endeavor The Chick Corea Songbook. The Manhattan Transfer are Tim Hauser, Janice Siegel, Cheryl Bentyne, and Alan Paul. They have been around the world and back again and they bring such energy and experience to the stage that it will be an incredible performance.
The New York Voices are now celebrating 20 years together and they continue to be the pioneers of the vocal jazz movement as they keep pushing the music forward with albums like their latest titled A Day Like This. Beginning as a vocal quintet they slimmed down in the 90's to a quartet which includes Darmon Meader, Peter Eldridge, Kim Nazarian, and Lauren Kinhan.
As part of the Jazz Roots Series at the Winspear Opera House vocal jazz studies students at UNT will be able to attend the 5 PM sound check with the New York Voices which should be very informative.
Darmon Meader of the New York Voices will be spending a couple of hours with the vocal jazz students on the campus of UNT on 12/10/09 from 12:30-2:30 PM. For those interest the master class will take place in Room 263 (Lab East).
Will Campbell releases CD "Think Tank"
Saxophonist and alumnus Will Campbell has released the CD "Think Tank" on the Cellar Live label. All of the compositions are Will's originals. Will is joined by Scott Harrell, trumpet; Stefan Karlsson, piano; John Brown, bass; Rick Dior, drums. Dave Reikenberg wrote the liner notes. For more information:
UNT Jazz Singers Fall Concert on Dec. 4 in Winspear Hall
The UNT Jazz Singers will present their first concert in Winspear Hall under the direction of Dr. Tim Brent on Friday, Dec. 4 at 8 p.m. Important correction: the first version of the UNT press release stated that the One O'Clock Lab Band would be performing on this concert. This is incorrect. Some members of the One O'Clock Lab Band will be performing on the concert, but not the entire band.
Ticket information:
$10 Adults
$8 Seniors, Non-UNT Students, Children, UNT Faculty/Staff, groups of 10+
Free to College of Music Faculty/Staff & UNT Students with ID
Tickets available for purchase at www.thempac.com or call 940-369-7802.
Pat Mallinger profiled at Jazz Police
Saxophonist, composer, and UNT alumnus Pat Mallinger is profiled by Andrea Canter at Jazz Police.
Phil Brown releases third CD, "Bright Side"
Bassist and UNT alumnus Phil Brown has released his third CD, "Bright Side." He is featured at allaboutjazz.com.
"Lab 2009" Receives Two Grammy Nominations
"Lab 2009" by the UNT One O'Clock Lab Band, directed by Steve Wiest, has received Grammy nominations in these two categories:
- Best Large Jazz Ensemble Album
- Best Instrumental Composition (for "Ice-Nine" by Steve Wiest)
Lots of One O'Clock Lab Band coverage
Here's a review of last night's Holiday concert from the Ft. Worth Star-Telegram's Chris Shull.
Online coverage
NBC5: http://www.nbcdfw.com/around-town/events/Grammy-Nods-Jazz-Up-UNT-Band-78470722.html
Note: In the 5 p.m. story, the NBC5 reporter mistakenly said the band had a nomination last year. (I think she misunderstood a student’s comment that he received a nomination in his last year in the band.) But her online story appears to be correct.
Fox 4: http://www.myfoxdfw.com/dpp/entertainment/music/grammy_noms_for_unt_band
TV coverage
University of North Texas on KXAS-DAL (NBC) - Dallas, TX
12/03/2009 04:44:01 PM
NBC5 First at Four (News)
Interview with Dave Richards
Sarah Crisman interviews Dave Richards at Pegasus News on the occasion of the Grammy nominations.
Engineer Phil Bulla profiled
Phil Bulla, longtime engineer for North Texas Jazz recordings, is profiled here.
My Favorite Things
As we near the Christmas holiday and a well-deserved break for students, faculty and staff, I want to encourage everyone to consider how you view your life. The stress of finals and juries can cause emotional damage to some students, which I have personally witnessed this semester. First, consider the impact of your life as a jazz performer, composer or teacher and remember that no matter how good you are or are not, it will not stop any wars, feed the hungry, house the homeless, stop global warming, etc. It is music, and music does help people forget some troubles for a moment and can offer great memories and good times, but in the final analysis of important things on the planet, it is sort of small. So is school. So is work. So is our attachment to more stuff.
Now consider some important things: brothers and sisters, mothers and fathers, wives and husbands, sons and daughters, boyfriends and girlfriends, close friends, warm houses or apartments, air, food, water, health, eyes, ears, smell, taste, the gift to be able to move your hands and arms and legs, and thereby walk and run, ride a bicycle, ski, play music, the mind to think, read books, remember things, solve problems, and most importantly the indescribable ability to feel love and compassion.
Maybe you have emotional, physical or mental disabilities and cannot do everything you would like, but there are some of those important things in life that you can do and you probably have someone who loves you and you love in return. Think about those things when life begins to look dark, maybe a bit scary and you are unhappy with the situation you find yourself in. Don't look at the things that are wrong, look at the things that are good! Rodgers and Hammerstein had it right when they wrote My Favorite Things. It may seem corny, but when you remember your favorite things and also the important and blessed things, you don't feel so bad.
There is always someone who has it worse than you do. Look around you and help someone else who is suffering. Do something for someone who needs it more than you do. There is a lot of healing found in giving. An amazing person said it is more blessed to give than to receive.
Have a Joyous and Merry Christmas. See you next year!
Fred Hamilton
2010 Jazz Workshops Registration Form now available
You can find the form from the workshops page or directly with this link.
Bob Belden works on documentary
Wayne Shorter and Bob Belden at Shorter's home in Hollywood. Photo by Scott Kinsey.
Composer, saxophonist and UNT alumnus Bob Belden is producing and directing a documentary for Chick Corea that is funded by the Chamber Music Society of America. He will interview Wayne Shorter, Bobby McFerrin, Herbie Hancock, Stanley Clarke, Gary Burton, Chick Corea, Roy Haynes, and others yet to be confirmed.
2010 Jazz Lecture Series and McDavid Studio series
Here's a press release about the 2010 UNT Jazz Artist Series at McDavid Studio in Ft. Worth, which is coordinated with our annual Jazz Lecture Series.