The U of M Jazz Division in the Rudi E. Scheidt School of Music presents Jazz Week 2001 at the Harris Concert Hall, featuring the talents of students, faculty and guest artists.
Jazz Week is an annual event during the first week of March, bringing The U of M and the Memphis community five days of jazz ensembles, combos, choirs and orchestra performances.
"This is one of the largest jazz festivals in the South, and this year we've added more performances," said Dr. Jack Cooper, assistant professor of music, jazz and studio music.
Jazz Week 2001 kicked off yesterday evening with a concert featuring the U of M Jazz Singers and the Charlie Wood Group.
Tonight at 7:30 p.m., Student Jazz Combos and Blue Ascendence will present a joint concert, featuring undergraduate and graduate vocalists and instrumentalists, conducted and arranged by Jazz Division Coordinator and bassist Tim Goodwin.
On Thursday night at 7:30, two faculty jazz quintets take the stage, the U of M Faculty Jazz Players and The University of Tennessee, Knoxville Faculty Jazz Quintet. The U of M quintet include David Spencer, trumpet; Jack Cooper, saxophone; Tim Goodwin, bass; Alvie Givhan, keyboard; and Don Patterson, drums.
The Contemporary Piano Ensemble will perform a concert on Friday, March 2 at 7:30. This ensemble consists of world-class jazz pianists, recorded on the Columbis and Evidence jazz labels.
The performers are James Williams, Donald Brown, Harold Mabern and Geoff Keezer with Tony Reedus, drums, and John Lockwood, bass, who will perform their own original works.
Admission is $7 for public, $5 for faculty/staff and free for U of M students with a valid Student ID.
Jazz Week 2001 concludes with concerts all day on Saturday, March 3, starting at 8:30 a.m. with the High School Jazz Ensemble Festival sponsored by The U of M and the International Association of Jazz Educators.
The U of M Jazz Ensemble II will present a concert featuring guest saxophonist, Paul Haar, at noon.
A clinic featuring James Williams and Donald Brown, world-renowned jazz pianists, is set for 1 p.m. in Harris Concert Hall.
At 7:30 p. m., the winner of the High School Festival will perform followed by James Williams and Donald Brown featured with The U of M 17-piece "Southern Comfort" Jazz Orchestra conducted by Dr. Jack Cooper.
"We're premiering five new student works, arranged for big band & guest soloists," said Dr. Cooper.
