A member of one of the jazz world's most respected families will be sharing his wisdom at a benefit for the Rudi E. Scheidt School of Music next week.
Not only has Darius Brubeck shared the stage with jazz legends, like his father Dave Brubeck, he has also brought jazz to the masses in numerous countries around the world.
After playing with his father and brothers in Two Generations of Brubeck and the New Brubeck Quartet, the piano playing brother began to fuse jazz with world music. His approach to these genres has helped erase the lines that once separated them for many listeners.
"Jazz is not greatly loved or appreciated by all," said Todd Stricklin, director of development of the school of music at The University of Memphis.
Thanks to Brubeck's dedication to his craft, not to mention his talent, he has helped jazz become more enjoyable for listeners that may have once dismissed the art form.
"For him to accomplish this, specifically as a pianist, is remarkable," Stricklin said.
Brubeck's far-reaching achievements help make his appearance at the University Club of Memphis even more thrilling.
Considering Brubeck has played in countries as eclectic as Turkey, Peru and Italy, his performance in Memphis will bring more credibility to the Scheidt School of Music, according to Patricia Hoy, director of the school of music.
"It speaks to who we are as a school," Hoy said.
Brubeck's own credibility has increased since the early 1980s. While based in Natal, Durban, he created the first-degree course in jazz studies at the University of Natal. This degree was the first of it's kind at any university in Africa.
He is currently the director of the centre for jazz and popular music, as well as a professor of jazz studies at the University of Natal. During his stint as a professor, Brubeck has continued to hone his skills as a genre-crossing pianist and composer.
Thanks to exploring different areas of African, world and jazz music, his music has melded together as one universal sound, according to Stricklin.
"It is important for our students to see someone who is bringing different genres together," Hoy said.
Not only is Brubeck's appearance important for the students and the Scheidt School of Music, it is also important to the jazz world. This is a world in which Brubeck's legend continues to build.
Although it is hard to gauge what makes a legend, Hoy said, Brubeck's contributions to the field of music become more and more appreciated each year.
One of Brubeck's most recent accolades came courtesy of the Rockefeller Foundation. He was granted a composer's residency with the Bellagio Study and Conference Center in Italy.
Awards and recognitions aside, Brubeck's appearance in Memphis will be an unforgettable experience for the students and the department as well.
Over 200 people have purchased tickets for the benefit concert Thursday, Feb. 2. Tickets are still available, but going quickly.
The evening of jazz begins with a 6 p.m. reception, followed by dinner at 6:30, with the concert to follow at 7.
For more ticket information, contact Todd Stricklin at 678-3625.
