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April 7, 2000 -- The McIntire Department of Music will present the U.Va. Jazz Ensemble, directed by John D'earth, on Saturday, April 8, at 8:15 p.m. in Old Cabell Hall at the University of Virginia. The Jazz Ensemble concert on April 8th will consist of original compositions from within the band. The U.Va. jazz ensemble is one of the few college big bands that perform their own compositions. In this concert there will be a variety of material ranging from traditional blues styles (Cruisin' for a Bluesin' and Careless Magic Blues by director John D'earth) through jump swing (Disagreement Among Snakes by longtime community band member and trombonist extraordinaire Mark Maynard) to post-bop excursions (Black Russian, by pianist Tom Mulherin, Even So by D'earth.) The evening will also feature "Monk Fish" by trumpeter Kevin Wildrick and a big band arrangement of an original ballad by local drummer and bandleader Aaron Binder. "It was incredibly generous of Aaron to write this chart for us." said D'earth, in a rare outbreak of verbosity. "Writing an arrangement like this is time consuming and the tune is beautiful. I recently recorded it on Aaron's latest CD and Greg Manter, our lead trumpet player, wanted to use it as a solo feature for his final concert before he graduates." Also featured on a ballad by D'earth will be lead alto saxist Nate Pietila, who has just graduated from law school and will be working in L.A. "The tune, 'Certain Flowers Persist' is a tribute to Nate's fine playing and huge contribution to the Jazz Ensemble over the years. We're hoping to do it with a harpist, which will be a first for us, to give it that sentimental ambience. We are really going to miss him. He's a great player." Also featured in the concert will be baritone saxophonist Kathy Olsen on D'earth's "Transfiguration of a Frog", another tune evoking the animal kingdom. " We should be performing this on Earth Day," observed trumpeter Andy Lofton. Rounding out the show will be another Mark Maynard original, "Journey Into Purple." "Mark is an amazing musician," D'earth said. "He's been with us for at least ten years and he keeps getting better. And he writes consistently great charts, which he taught himself to do. He's a natural musician." Joining the Jazz Ensemble for this concert is bass trombonist Robert Mott, who plays with the symphony. "We needed an extra bone," said tenor saxophonist Josh Diehl, "and John asked Robert to play. It's great working with an instrumentalist of his capabilities. He's adapting beautifully to the jazz idiom. He even designed a wild poster for the concert!" "I'm excited about this concert, not just because of the original music, but because the band is playing so well. Drummers Rob Hubbard and Ethan Bauley will be featured extensively. They are both superb soloists and great assets to the Jazz Ensemble rhythm section. And some of our newer players like Ryan Han on alto sax, Trey Springs on tenor sax and Tom Canalicchio on bass are making wonderful contributions, as well," said D'earth. Tickets for the concert are $10 for general admissions, $8 for students, and 8 ARTS$ for U.Va. students. Please call 924-3984 for tickets and more information. Contact: Marcy Day: phone: (804) 924-6492; fax: (804) 924-6033; e-mail: mday@virginia.edu |
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U.Va.
Jazz Ensemble to Perform April 8