2005 News archive

Brandon Nelson to Join Jazz Knights

 

Brandon Nelson, bassist and UNT jazz grad student, will be the new bassist for the Jazz Knights big band, stationed at West Point. He leaves for basic training in February for a 3-year term with the Knights. The Knights are one of three premier jazz bands in the army. The other two are touring bands stationed in Washington, D.C.

UNT Jazz Singers Release "Travelin' the Route"

Travelin' the Route, the new CD by the UNT Jazz Singers, directed by Paris Rutherford, is now available for purchase on the recordings page. Track listing: Route 66, Gone With the Wind, Jody Grind, Close Enough for Love, Whisper Not, Moose the Mooche, You Don't Know What Love Is, Just Friends, Canto Triste, Splanky.

Vocal Jazz Workshop information updated

The registration form for the Vocal Jazz Workshop has been updated and is ready to use. The registration details for the other workshops will be updated soon. Further information on the workshops page.

Final University Union performances

The final performances in the UNT Union for fall 2005 are:

 

Tuesday, Nov. 29, 9-11 p.m., Syndicate, Jazz Faculty Small Group

 

 

Wednesday, Nov. 30, 9 p.m., Nine O'Clock Lab Band, Directed by Randy Babin; Eight O'Clock Lab Band, Directed by Aric Schneller

 

Lou Marini and One O'Clock Lab Band prepare for concert

Lou Marini rehearses with members of the One O'Clock Lab Band, directed by Neil Slater: Josh Hanlon, keyboards; Chris McQueen, guitar; Daniel Foose, bass; Shawn Pickler, drums. The concert on Nov. 22, 2005 was sold out. More photos--including photos from the post-concert reception--are found on the November 2005 photo page.

UNT Small Group CD reviewed

The review at allmusic.com can be found here. For the record, the names of Jon Deitemyer and Chris McQueen are misspelled, and the UNT jazz studies web site address is cited incorrectlyfiles.but you know what that is. The CD is still available for purchase.

Fred Hamilton to perform with UNT Symphonic Band

Fred Hamilton will perform with the UNT Symphonic Band, Dennis W. Fisher, conductor, Jennifer Kitelinger, guest conductor, on November 1, 2005 at 7:30 p.m. in Winspear Hall.

Marini saxophone clinic

Lou Marini presented a saxophone clinic on Friday, Oct. 28, 2005. Photos are on the October 2005 page.

Lou Marini stops by

Lou Marini was in town and stopped by to rehearse for his Nov. 22, 2005 concert with the One O'Clock Band, directed by Neil Slater. Photos on the October 2005 page.

Lab 2005 is Released

Lab 2005 is the latest release by the One O'Clock Lab Band, directed by Neil Slater. Track listing: Caravan (Ellington/Tizol, arr. Alan Baylock), Both (Neil Slater), Autumn in New York (Vernon Duke, arr. Bob Graettinger), Quintescence (Hank Levy), Mariano (Don Sebesky), Chili Fish (Carl Murr), Maria (Leonard Bernstein, arr. Don Sebesky), What Follows (Stephen Smith), Tuesday Night #1 (Graham Richards, arr. Dave Richards). Liner notes are written by Dan Higgins and Benny Golson. Order form | UNT Jazz Recordings page

Stefan Karlsson's CD "Music is Forever" Reviewed

Stefan Karlsson's CD of music by Russ Freeman is reviewed at allmusic.com and allaboutjazz.com. Ed Soph played drums on the recording.

Woody Witt & Randy Brecker Concert Rescheduled

The Woody Witt Quintet featuring Randy Brecker will play a concert on Monday, Oct. 17, 2005 at 9 p.m. in the Syndicate at the UNT University Union. Lineup: Woody Witt, tenor saxophone (UNT alumnus); Randy Brecker, trumpet; David Craig, bass; Ed Soph, drums. Cover charge is $5.

Dan Haerle's CD Reviewed in Down Beat

Standard Procedure, Dan Haerle's CD with Bob Bowman (bass) and Jack Mouse (drums), was reviewed on p. 74 of the September 2005 issue of Down Beat. From Ed Enright's 4-star review: "Pianist and theory guru Haerle sets new standards for reworking standards in creative ways." More info on the CD at www.blujazz.com.

Jazz Singers Fall Concert Announced

Our fall concert is right around the corner now: Friday, 12/2/05 at 8:00 p.m. in Winspear Hall of the Murchison Performing Arts Center.

 

Please put this in your calendar, but only if you want to thoroughly enjoy yourself during a concert of vocal jazz and fun! A large portion of this concert will also be included in the program we will take to San Antonio in February to perform for the Texas Music Educators Association.

 

 

Our program this fall is unusually varied, with music from Pat Metheny, Stan Kenton, New York Voices, and Chris Potter, among others.

 

 

Ticketing is as always: adults $7.00, seniors and non-UNT students $5.00, all UNT students and music faculty, no charge. Group rates are available as well.

 

 

Murchison Box Office: 940-369-7802

 

 

--Paris Rutherford

 

Helbing and Mulholland with Maynard Ferguson: Review

Drummer Stockton Helbing and bassist Brian Mulholland, recent graduates of our program, were singled out for special attention in Laura A. Ball's review in the Vail Daily of a Sept. 30, 2005 performance by Maynard Ferguson's Big Bop Nouveau in Beaver Creek, CO. Link to full review.

Astral Project, from New Orleans, Will Play at Syndicate Oct. 5

Astral Project, the legendary New Orleans band made up of Tony Dagradi (saxophone), Steve Masakowski (guitar), James Singleton (bass), and John Vidacovich (drums), will play at the Syndicate in the UNT University Union on Wednesday, Oct. 5, 2005 starting at 9 p.m. Admission is $7 at the door.

Pete McCann, Guitarist and Alumnus, Gives Concert & Clinic

New York-based guitarist Pete McCann, a graduate of our program, will play a concert on September 29, 2005 at 8 p.m. in Kenton Hall along with Lynn Seaton (bass) and Joel Fountain (drums). Tickets are $10 at the door. On Friday, September 30 he'll present a clinic at 1:30 p.m. in Kenton Hall. Tickets are $8 at the door. Admission to the clinic is free for members of the UNT Guitar & Bass Association.

 

Pete McCann has released two recordings with his own quartet and appeared on more than forty others. He has performed or recorded with Kenny Wheeler, Dave Liebman, Kenny Garrett, Peter Erskine, John Patitucci, Gary Thomas, Greg Osby, Bobby Previte, Randy Brecker, Brian Blade, and The Maria Schneider Orchestra. See his website, www.petemccann.com.

 

UNT Jazz Students Play for New Orleans Evacuees in Dallas

On Sunday, Sept. 18, 2005, a group of UNT jazz students led by trumpeter Nick Schroeder played in a procession along with musicians from New Orleans as part of Project Exodus, in which evacuees who had been staying at Reunion Arena in Dallas moved to apartment housing. See the NT Daily story.

Keith Carlock gives drum clinic

Drummer and UNT alumnus Keith Carlock returned to campus to give a clinic on Sept. 9, 2005. Since leaving UNT he has played with Steely Dan, Sting, Harry Belafonte, and the original Blues Brothers band. "I credit my success from going to school here," Carlock, a student of Ed Soph, told the NT Daily.

Frank and Cindy Mayes, from New Orleans, in Denton

Frank Mayes, a reed player and alumnus of the UNT jazz program in the 1960s, and his wife Cindy, also a musician and copyist, have temporarily relocated to Denton from their home in New Orleans, where they have lived for twenty years. They can be reached at fcmayes@bellsouth.net.

 

On Sept. 15, they and a UNT jazz faculty member visited the New Orleans composer and arranger Wardell Quezergue, who is living temporarily in a Red Cross shelter in Fort Worth while awaiting placement in housing in Fort Worth, which should happen this week.

 

Hovorka and Mulholland Will Tour with Maynard Ferguson

UNT alumni Jamie Hovorka (trumpet) and Brian Mulholland (electric bass) will be joining the Maynard Ferguson band for a two month US tour, starting Sept. 23, 2005. Jamie will be playing the jazz trumpet chair. Unfortunately there are no Texas dates on the itinerary, but the tour begins in Oklahoma City.

Ivery, Karlsson, Warrington, and Soph Kick Off Tuesday Night Series

Marchel Ivery, Dallas-based tenor saxophonist, Tom Warrington, Los Angeles-based bassist, Stefan Karlsson, and Ed Soph kicked off the Tuesday night small group series at the Syndicate on Sept. 13, 2005. Performances begin at 9 p.m. and feature student small groups and occasional sets by faculty and guest artists.

Kevin Brunkhorst and Paul Tynan release CD

"Digital/Spiritual" is the new CD by UNT alumni Kevin Brunkhorst (electric guitar, acoustic 6-string and 12-string guitars, bass, digital effects, loops, cassette player) and Paul Tynan (trumpet, pocket trumpet, flugelhorn, cymbals). For more information and ordering information, see www.nohjohmusic.com. Both are professors in the Music Department at St. Francis Xavier University in Canada.

Stefan Karlsson and Woody Witt Featured in Houston Chronicle

The Houston Chronicle recently published features on Stefan Karlsson and UNT alumnus Woody Witt. [Thanks to Bob Morgan for the tip.]

North Texas Jazz Festival in Addison: application now available

The invitation letter and application form are now available as a single PDF document on the festival web site or directly via this link. The application is for school groups only.

Bill Holman and Pete Christlieb are the 2006 Gomez Artists

Arranger Bill Holman and saxophonist Pete Christlieb will be the Glenn E. Gomez Jazz Artists for 2006. They will spend four days working with students and perform with jazz faculty and the One O'ClockLab Band, directed by Neil Slater, on Thursday, February 23, 2006, at 8 p.m. in Winspear Hall.

Upcoming Tours by the One O'Clock Lab Band

Upcoming tours for the One O'Clock Lab Band in 2005-2006 will include the Hawaii International Jazz Festival, the International Association for Jazz Education Conference in New York City, and concerts in Connecticut, Pennsylvania, and Chicago (Elmhurst Jazz Festival).

One O'Clock Lab Band Tours Poland

The University of North Texas One O'Clock Lab Band made a 14-day tour of Poland in August, 2005. The band appeared at various jazz festivals and other venues throughout the country. Among the concert schedule were appearances at Sopot/Gdansk Festival, Iwawa Jazz Festival, Pulawy Arts Series, and a performance in Warsaw sponsored by the US embassy.

Sopot is a resort area on the shore of the Baltic Sea along the Northern border of Poland. The One O'Clock Lab Band headlined the evening concert (following two photos), which also included a sextet from Sweden.


The Pulawy performance was the only "indoor" concert of the trip, and the band was well received by the audience there.

The Iwawa festival is held in Iwawa, a quaint 700 year-old town on a small lake in northeastern Poland. The festival has quite a tradition and is very well attended. Audiences enthusiastically demanded multiple encores from the band (following two photos).


The final concert of the tour was held at the Lazienki Parc Palac na Wodzie in Warsaw. While in Warsaw, band members participated in late night jam sessions with top musicians from the area. Of cultural note, the band visited Auschwitz-Birkenau, as well as Krakow.

--Craig Marshall, lab band manager

Ethnomusicology as a related field

Ethnomusicology is officially approved as a related field for the M.M. in Jazz Studies, even though the 05-06 catalog doesn't show it. The requirements are these:

 

10. Ethnomusicology. Required: MUET 5030; and either 6 hours selected from MUET 5210 (recommended), 5040, 5050, 5060, 5070, 5220, 5230, or 3 hours selected from that list and 3 hours of ensembles selected from African Ensemble, South Indian Ensemble, Balinese Gamelan, Afro-Cuban and Brazilian Ensemble.

 

 

In Fall 2005, these two ethnomusicology graduate courses are being offered:

 

 

MUET 5220, Ethnomusicology Field and Research Methods, Wednesday 1-3:20, Prof. Steven Friedson

 

 

MUET 5030, Music Cultures of the World, Tuesday-Thursday 11-12:20, Prof. John Murphy

 

 

More on this related field option.

 

North Texas Jazz Festival at Addison site updated

New information on deadlines, adjudicators, and more has been added to the festival site, ntjazzfest.unt.edu.

Brad Leali joins faculty of Texas Tech University

Saxophonist Brad Leali, a 1989 graduate of our program, will become the new Director of Jazz Studies at Texas Tech University in August, 2005. Here's a press release from Texas Tech. His first big band CD, "Maria Juanez," is going to be released soon by M&N Records. Brad's site is www.bradleali.com.

 

Isaac Lausell teaching in Puerto Rico

Isaac Lausell, guitarist and recent graduate of the jazz master's program, has completed a successful semester of teaching music theory, solfege, and guitar lessons at the Universidad Interamericana de Puerto Rico. He has recently been hired to teach jazz guitar, jazz history, and possibly improvisation at the Conservatorio de Musica de Puerto Rico. He's also written an instructional book for guitar and is working on his first solo album. [there's an accent on 'u' in 'Musica' but the RSS feed can't handle it]

Jon Deitemyer and Matt Wigton tour with Zach Brock

Drummer Jon Deitemyer and bassist Matt Wigton, recent graduates of our program, are on tour this summer with Zach Brock and the Coffee Achievers. Brock is a Chicago-based violinist. Also in the band is Sam Barsh (piano/keyboards), currently a member of Avishai Cohen's trio. See Brock's web site for the itinerary.

Lee Tomboulian joins faculty of Lawrence University Conservatory of Music

Lee Tomboulian, pianist and alumnus of the UNT jazz master's program, has accepted a three-year position at Lawrence University Conservatory of Music in Appleton, WI. He'll be teaching jazz piano and improvisation. Lee and his wife Betty, an alumna of the UNT Jazz Singers, perform together in the band Circo.

One O'Clock Band departs for Poland

On August 3, 2005, the One O'Clock Lab Band, directed by Neil Slater, departed for a ten-day concert tour of Poland. A report including photos will be posted here on their return.

Important meeting for all new jazz studies majors

New undergraduate and graduate jazz studies majors are invited to an meeting on Wednesday, August 24, 2005 at 1 p.m. in Kenton Hall to meet the faculty and receive important information.

New site for North Texas Jazz Festival at Addison

The North Texas Jazz Festival at Addison will take place on March 31-April 2, 2006.

 

The festival now has a new web site, which is hosted at UNT:

 

 

ntjazzfest.unt.edu

 

 

New information about the festival will be added to this site as soon as it becomes available.

 

Jeff Eckels joins faculty of Universidad de San Francisco in Ecuador

Jeff Eckels, doctoral candidate in bass, a student of Lynn Seaton and Jeff Bradetich, and former member of the One O'Clock Lab Band, will direct the ear training department and teach applied bass at the Universidad San Francisco de Quito in Cumbaya, Ecuador, which is near Quito, a large city with a cosmopolitan music scene. Jeff may reached jeffryeckels@hotmail.com. Jeff and his family leave Denton on Friday, July 15. They will be living in Ecuador for two years.

Brian Mulholland releases CD

Bassist Brian Mulholland, a recent graduate of the UNT jazz master's program, has released an independent CD entitled "Deco." Heard with Brian are Stockton Helbing, drums; Noel Johnston, guitar; Tom Luer, tenor sax; and Ken Edwards, trumpet and fluegelhorn. All of the tracks are Brian's original compositions. For more information, see www.brianmulholland.com.

Lynn Seaton's Lower Convergence Bass Trio releases CD

The Lower Convergence Bass Trio is made up of Lynn Seaton, Brian Mulholland, and Jeff Eckels. The tunes include originals and standards. For further information, contact Lynn.

Jazz Bass auditions for Fall 2005

Bring a blank VHS videotape.

 

Auditions will be held in room 279 at the following times:

 

 

Friday, August 26, 10 a.m. to noon, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

 

 

Saturday, August 27, 10 a.m. to noon, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

 

 

Sunday, August 28, 10 a.m. to noon (if other times fill up)

 

 

Sign up for a time on the door of room 279 where auditions will be held.

 

 

Even though the bands may start meeting, final placement may not be resolved until Wednesday or Thursday.

 

 

Drumset auditions in Fall 2005

 

Sight Reading Round 1

 

The first round of sight-reading auditions will be given Friday, August 26, 2005. All jazz majors who wish to be considered for any jazz ensemble must take this audition. Any non-Jazz major who wishes to be considered for any jazz ensemble auditions must take this sight reading audition.

 

Sight Reading Round 2

 

Those who pass the first round of sight reading will take the second round on Monday, August 29, 2005.

 

Lab Band Auditions

 

Lab Band auditions will be scheduled Tuesday, August 30-Thursday, September 1.

 

Other jazz ensemble auditions will be scheduled for the week of August 29.

All audition sign up sheets and information will be posted on the percussion area bulletin board across from 131.

 

First UNT Small Group CD Reviewed at Allaboutjazz.com

 

(Counter-part) Jazz Chamber Vol. 1, the first in the annual series of UNT jazz small group recordings, was favorably reviewed at allaboutjazz.com. Reviewer Jack Bowers wrote, "This is the first recording by the Jazz Combos, and it's always good to uncover another facet of UNT's splendid Jazz Studies program, especially when it is as interesting and well-played as this one." Read the full review.

UNT Jazz site adds RSS feed

For the convenience of those who use RSS readers and browsers that handle RSS feeds, this site now has an RSS feed:

 

If this means nothing to you, you can safely ignore it. It's just another way to get the twenty most recent news items.

 

 

If you'd like to know more about it, here's some more information.

 

Lily Maase's CD "Aftermath" reviewed

Aftermath, the independent CD by recent UNT jazz alumna Lily Maase is reviewed by Budd Kopman at allaboutjazz.com. He writes, "The LM5 would absolutely mesmerize a live audience with this unique music." Personnel include Maase, guitar, electronics; Mike Maher, trumpet; Brian Mulholland, electric bass; Curt Garey, drums; Nick Groesch, and Jangeun Bae, keyboards; all are current or former UNT jazz students. Link to review

Ron Brooks to begin Doctoral program

Trumpeter Ron Brooks, who took jazz studies classes and played in jazz ensembles while working on his M.M. in trumpet performance, which he recently completed, will start work on a Doctor of Arts degree in Trumpet Performance and Pedagogy at the University of Northern Colorado this fall. He'll be directing a jazz band there. He also earned a B.M. in composition from UNT in 1978.

Fred Hamilton and friends release CD

All Things Are New is the first release by Beaux J Poo Boo, a new quartet formed by Fred Hamilton, guitar; Shelly Berg, piano; Lou Fischer, bass; and Steve Houghton, drums. For more information, see www.summitrecords.com.

Craig Butterfield to join faculty of the University of South Carolina

Craig Butterfield, D.M.A. candidate in bass and an active member of the UNT jazz community, will join the faculty of the University of South Carolina, where he will teach applied bass and improvisation and direct a jazz string ensemble and a big band. Craig directed the UNT jazz string group for two years and spent nine months with the Maynard Ferguson band; he'll tour Europe with Ferguson this summer before starting his new position.

Daniel Foose wins 3rd place in International Society of Bassists Competition

At the International Society of Bassists' annual conference at Western Michigan University during the week of June 6, 2005, Daniel Foose, bassist in the One O'Clock Lab Band in 2004-5 and a student of Lynn Seaton, placed third in the jazz competition, which was open to all bassists between 18 and 30 years of age who have not recorded with a major jazz artist. The judges included Rufus Reid, Barre Phillips, Rodney Whittaker. Lynn Seaton was chair of the committee and was not a voting member of the judges' panel.

UNT students and alumni featured in Fort Worth, Texas magazine

An article in the June 2005 issue of Fort Worth, Texas about the weekly jam sessions at the Black Dog Tavern in Fort Worth pictures guitarist and UNT jazz graduate student Paul Metzger and bassist and UNT jazz alumnus Drew Phelps.


 

Idit Shner joins faculty of University of Oregon

UNT Doctoral candidate Idit Shner accepted a full-time saxophone position at the University of Oregon, in Eugene, starting in fall 2005. She will be teaching classical and jazz saxophone as well as saxophone quartets, jazz combos, and a studio master class. Idit has played in numerous jazz ensembles at UNT, including the Two O'Clock Lab Band, and is a highly effective lab band director.

 

Pictured along with Idit at the 2002 Denton Arts & Jazz Festival are Kevin Brunkhorst, guitar; Eddie Martin, saxophone; Brad Boal, drums.

 

Jazz Drumset Workshop Canceled

The Jazz Drumset Workshop, scheduled for July 17-22, 2005, has been canceled.

New photos for April

Several new photos are posted on the April 2005 photo page, including professional images by Jonathan Whitney, including this one of Tim Goynes:

Alumni feature: David Weiss

A new series of alumni features starts with David Weiss.

Suggestions for new students

John Murphy has compiled some suggestions for students who will be taking his classes in the fall.

Hildegunn Gjedrem Surdal is Co-Winner of Down Beat Award

Surdal, a member of the Jazz Singers and a student of Paris Rutherford and Rosana Eckert, was named Co-Winner in the college division of the Jazz Vocal category in the 2005 Down Beat magazine Student Music Awards, which were published in the June 2005 issue.

Graduate Artist Certificate in Music Performance

This new degree was announced on May 10, 2005. And it's open to jazz performers: The Graduate Artist Certificate in Music Performance is a non-degree program providing an intensive, two year period of post-baccalaureate study in music performance. It is intended as an alternative to master's and doctoral degrees for exceptionally gifted and accomplished performers seeking professional performing careers. Complete information about it may be found here.

One O'Clock Lab Band wins Dallas Observer Music Award

The One O'Clock Lab Band was named "Best Jazz" in the 2005 Dallas Observer Music Awards. Observer writer Shannon Sutlief wrote, "files.there is at least one place where jazz is still for the youngfiles.and it's still the place college freshmen come looking for their own Birth of the Cool."

Alumnus Adolfo Acosta Plays Denton with Tower of Power

Trumpeter Adolfo Acosta, former member of the One and Two O'Clock Lab Bands, played in Denton with Tower of Power on Saturday, April 30 at the Denton Arts & Jazz Festival.

Jeff Eckels wins Oscar

Jeff Eckels, D.M.A. student in bass and former bassist in the One O'Clock Lab Band, shared a 2005 Oscar for Best Original Song for his collaboration with Jorge Drexler on "Al Otro Lado Del Rio," from the soundtrack of the film Motorcycle Diaries.

Alumnus Dave Love writes about South Africa

In the May 2004 issue of Jazziz, UNT alumnus Dave Love, president of Heads Up, writes about his travels to South Africa with Joe McBride and Andy Narell and the Heads Up Africa series. Ladysmith Black Mambazo's Raise Your Spirit Higher, released on Heads Up, won a 2005 Grammy for Best Traditional World Music Album.

Stefan Karlsson releases CD of Music by Russ Freeman

The CD is called Music is Forever: The Music of Pianist Russ Freeman. Personnel includes the Stefan Karlsson Trio: Stefan Karlsson, piano; Tom Warrington, bass; Ed Soph, drums, and special guests: Marvin Stamm, trumpet & flugelhorn, and Joni Janak, vocals. All of the selections are by Freeman, except for the last one, by Karlsson: Say When; Hugo Hurwhey; The Wind; An Afternoon at Home; Bea's Flat; Run, Run, Run; Music Is Forever; Band Aid; Safe at Home; Only You; Elegy for Russ. For more information and ordering, see the TNC label site.

UNT Jazz at Denton Arts & Jazz

UNT Jazz students, faculty, and alumni will be busy during the Denton Arts & Jazz Festival, which will take place on April 29 & 30 and May 1.

The One O'Clock Lab Band plays on Friday on the main stage at 7 pm, preceded by the jazz faculty at 5:30.

 

On the celebration stage on Saturday afternoon between 1 and 6:30 pm, the following groups will play: Jazz Singers, Zebras, Jazz Repertory Ensemble, Three O'Clock Lab Band, Two O'Clock Lab Band, Latin Jazz Ensemble.

 

 

Stefan Karlsson leads a small group on Saturday at 11:30 am on the main stage.

 

 

Rosana Eckert leads a small group on Sunday at 10:30 am on the main stage.

 

 

For complete festival information, see www.dentonjazzfest.com.

 

Lynn Seaton welcomes Drori Mondlak

Lynn Seaton and Stefan Karlsson will play a concert with New York-based drummer Drori Mondlak on April 7, 2005 at 8 p.m. in Kenton Hall. Admission is free.

Lower Convergence Bass Ensemble

Lynn Seaton, Jeff Eckels, and Brian Mulholland will present a special concert of new music for three basses on April 11, 2005, at 8 p.m. in Kenton Hall. Lynn and Jeff will play double bass and Brian will play electric. Their pieces will include a wide variety of styles and extended bass techniques. Admission is free.

Chick Corea Trio to headline Addison Festival

The Chick Corea Trio are the headline artists for the North Texas Jazz Festival at Addison, which will be held from April 1-3, 2005 at the Intercontinental Hotel in Addison. Details at the official festival site.

Eddie Gomez and friends at Dan's Silverleaf

Bassist Eddie Gomez will play with Stefan Karlsson and Ed Soph at Dan's Silverleaf in Denton on Monday, March 28, 2005 at 9 p.m. Cover charge is $10. The following day Eddie Gomez will speak and play at the jazz lecture series. During the week of March 21, the trio is playing concerts at Northern Illinois University, where UNT alumnus Rodrigo Villanueva teaches, and Western Illinois University, where UNT alumnus Steve Anderson teaches.

North Texas Jazz Festival at Addison Evening Concerts and Special Events

Friday, April 1 (Universities and Community Colleges)

 

Jazz Films presented by Hal Miller, Colonnade Room, 9-noon, 1:30-5 p.m.

 

 

Awards ceremony 5 p.m. in Lalique I & II

 

 

Evening concert Crystal IV & V ballrooms

 

 

7:00 doors open

 

 

7:30 Selected vocal group

 

 

8:00 Selected combo

 

 

8:30 Selected big band

 

 

9:00 UNT Jazz Singers

 

 

10:00 UNT One O'Clock Band

 

 

Saturday, April 2 (High Schools and Middle Schools)

 

 

Jazz Films presented by Hal Miller

 

 

Colonnade Room, 9-noon, 1:30-5 p.m.

 

 

Awards ceremony

 

 

5 p.m. Lalique I & II

 

 

Evening concert

 

 

7:00 doors open

 

 

7:30 Selected vocal group

 

 

8:00 Selected combo

 

 

8:30 Selected big band

 

 

9:00 UNT Two O'Clock Lab Band

 

 

10:00 Chick Corea Trio

 

 

Sunday, April 3

 

 

1. Crystal Ballroom 1-VIII

 

 

9 a.m. Adjudicators Showcase

 

 

10:45 a.m.-12:15 p.m. UNT Faculty Jazz Combo

 

 

at approx. 11:25, invited high/middle school musicians will sit in

 

 

2. Colonnade Room, 8-10 a.m. Rare jazz films presented by Hal Miller

 

Alumnus Steve Anderson to teach at UNC-CH

Pianist and composer Steve Anderson, an alumnus of the jazz and composition programs at UNT and a former member of the One O'Clock Lab Band, will join the faculty of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in the fall of 2005. His duties will be evenly divided between jazz studies (improvisation, theory) and composition. He has taught for the past two years at Western Illinois University.

Lily Maase will attend Banff workshop

Recent graduate Lily Maase, guitarist and composer, will attend The Banff International Workshop in Jazz and Creative Music in Banff, Canada this coming May and June. The workshop is directed by Dave Douglas.

Kevin Patton to start Ph.D. program at Brown

UNT alumnus Kevin Patton, who played guitar in the One O'Clock Lab Band in 2001-2002, has been accepted into the Ph.D. program in Computer Music and Multimedia Composition at Brown University. On April 3, Kevin will premiere a work that was composed for him: Thunderbird, Concerto for Electric Guitar, by Peter Lieuwen. He'll be accompanied by the Brazos Valley Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Marcello Bussiki. The concert is at 4 p.m. in Rudder Auditorium at Texas A&M University. For more on Kevin's current activities, see his web site: www.lajunkielovegun.com

Lots of new photos

See the photos page for images of Phil Woods, Benny Golson, Jeff "Tain" Watts, and Paul McKee with UNT students and faculty. Most of the new photos were taken by Jim Riggs.

New Recordings form

The jazz recordings order form has been redesigned for ease of use. Why not try it out?

Lab Band Madness is coming

Lab Band Madness is what affectionately call the concert that features all of the lab bands. It happens on Tuesday, March 22, 2005 at 7 p.m. in Winspear Hall. Tickets are available online.

Guitar & Bass Association Hosts Adam Rogers

Guitarist Adam Rogers will be on campus on March 4, 2005 for a clinic at 1:30 p.m. and a concert at 8 p.m. Both events will be held in Kenton Hall. On the concert he'll be joined by Stefan Karlsson, Daniel Foose, and Ed Soph. Admission to each event is free to members of the NT Guitar and Bass Association and $10 for non-members. New York-based Rogers has performed with Chris Potter, Regina Carter, The Mingus Orchestra, John Zorn, and Norah Jones.

Alumnus Bob Morgan Elected to I.A.J.E. Hall of Fame

In January ceremonies in Long Beach, California, Bob Morgan was inducted into the International Association for Jazz Education (IAJE) Hall of Fame. The occasion was the 32nd annual IAJE international conference, recognized as the largest gathering of the global jazz community with over 7,000 educators, professional musicians, industry figures and jazz enthusiasts in attendance. Morgan's induction occurred during the conference's evening concert on January 6.

 

Bob Morgan retired in 1999 as Director of Jazz Studies at Houston's High School for Performing and Visual Arts (HSPVA), a position held since 1976. He was previously director of the jazz program at Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, Texas.

 

 

Morgan's degrees are from the University of North Texas (Bachelor's, '63 and Master's, '65) and the University of Illinois/Urbana (Doctor of Musical Arts, '74). He played trumpet and trombone in UNT's One O'Clock Lab Band, and piano in the Illinois Jazz Band. His original compositions were performed and recorded by both groups, including "Anadge," recorded on UNT's Lab 67.

 

 

Under Morgan's direction, the HSPVA jazz program has become internationally known as a stimulating model for the successful training of young jazz aspirants. In a typical year, at least 60 students, all selected by a vigorous audition process, are involved in the school's jazz program.

 

 

HSPVA holds the state record (by far) for most students selected for Texas All-State Jazz Ensemble, and national records for Clifford Brown/Stan Getz Fellows, IAJE Young Talent Award recipients, and Arts Recognition and Talent Search jazz finalists.

 

 

The IAJE Hall of Fame was established in 1978 "to honor those individuals whose musical contributions and dedication to jazz education over the past 25 years have created new directions and curricular innovations for jazz education worldwide." Nominations are received from the IAJE general membership, with final selection determined by IAJE Past Presidents' Council.

 

Naked Lunch plays Denton

Naked Lunch, the Dallas-based Steely Dan tribute band that includes UNT Jazz faculty member Rosana Eckert and current students Natalie Mackey and Josh Hanlon, will play at Dan's Silverleaf in Denton on Friday, Feb. 25 for three sets starting at 9:30.

Recent graduate Lily Maase releases CD

Guitarist Lily Maase will host a release party for her new CD Aftermath at the Greenhouse in Denton on Feb. 24, 2005 from 10 p.m. to midnight. The CD features all original compositions by Lily and the rest of the band includes Brian Mulholland (bass), Curt Garey (drums), Janguen Bae (keyboard), Nick Groesch (keyboard), and Mike Maher (trumpet), all current or former UNT jazz students. Thursday's lineup features Mike League, bass; Nick Groesch, keyboard; Evan Weiss, trumpet; Curt Garey, drums; and Lily on guitar. The CD is available at CDBaby (and check out Lily's notes on her project on the site, too).

Recent graduate Stockton Helbing releases CD

Drummer Stockon Helbing will host a release party for his CD Lodestar on March 2, 2005 at 9:30pm at J&J's Pizza in Denton. Personnel include Brian Mulholland (bass), Tom Luer (tenor saxophone), Ken Edwards (trumpet), Noel Johnston (guitar), and Stockton on drums. The CD is available via CDBaby.

New DVD features Fred Hamilton with Earl Harvin Trio

Fred Hamilton has just finished editing a new DVD that features a performance by the Earl Harvin Trio at Hailey's in Denton in the fall of 2004. The trio is Harvin, drums (alumnus of UNT); Dave Palmer, keyboards; and Hamilton on bass and guitar. Also included is an interview with the trio. Details will be posted here when it becomes available.

Fred Hamilton and friends at Dan's Silverleaf

Fred Hamilton will be joined by Ed Soph, Stefan Karlsson, and Lynn Seaton for an evening at Dan's Silverleaf on Tuesday, March 1, 2005 starting at 9 p.m. The club is located at Industrial and Hickory, east of the Denton square.

The Stamm/Soph Project Live at Birdland

This newly-released CD features Marvin Stamm, Ed Soph, Bill Mays, John Abercrombie, and Rufus Reid and was recorded at Birdland in NYC. It's available at www.JazzedMedia.com.

UNT alums win Grammys

A preliminary list of former UNT jazz students who won Grammys this year includes Norah Jones; Bubba Hernandez and Danny O'Brien, members of Brave Combo; and Tim Ries, who played on Maria Schneider's Concert in the Garden. More will be listed here as the information becomes available.

Phil Woods tickets online

You can purchase tickets online for the concert by Phil Woods with the One O'Clock Lab Band and Jazz Faculty on Feb. 24.

Soul Station live

Jazz faculty members John Murphy, Stefan Karlsson, Lynn Seaton, and Ed Soph will perform all of the tunes on Hank Mobley's classic Blue Note CD Soul Station on Sunday, Feb. 27, 2005 at 6:30 p.m. at First United Methodist Church in Denton.

Jazz Repertory Ensemble plays Rhapsody in Blue

Steve Harlos of the UNT piano faculty will be the soloist in two performances of Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue with the Jazz Repertory Ensemble, directed by John Murphy, on Tuesday, March 1 at 8 p.m. at the Greater Denton Arts Council, and Wednesday, March 2 at the Sammons Center for the Arts in Dallas. It's a 9-piece arrangement of the accompaniment by Masanobu Ikemiya of the New York Ragtime Orchestra.

UNT students play the Apollo Theater

The Inner City All Stars Brass Band, made up of current UNT students (including Jazz Studies majors), performed on "Showtime at the Apollo" in New York City. The performance will be aired on nationally-syndicated television on Feb. 12. The band's lineup:

 

Kazuki Nagashima- Bari Sax

 

 

James Martinez- Alto Sax

 

 

Darren Petersen- Tenor Sax

 

 

Calvin Sexton - Trombone

 

 

Ray Ray Williams- Trumpet

 

 

Kenny Washington- Drums

 

 

James Goodley- Tuba

 

Alumnus David Weiss releases new CD

Trumpeter/composer/arranger David Weiss will release his new CD The Mirror on February 8, 2005 at the Jazz Standard in New York. Personnel include Weiss (trumpet); Myron Walden (alto); Marcus Strickland (tenor); Xavier Davis (piano); Dwayne Burno (bass); E.J. Strickland (drums).

OK, the site has a new look. Let's have some new content.

If you are a student who has attended one of the events that are publicized on this site—like the highly creative and energetic set by the Matt Wilson Quartet on Feb. 3—and you would like to write something about it and publish it here, send it in.

 

If you are an alumnus (or have any connection with UNT, really) and you'd be willing to do a brief email interview with a student about your current work, let us know. We can also include photos and audio /video clips.

 

Rosana Eckert starts Vocal Forum series

Vocal Jazz Forum gets underway Friday Feb. 4 at 3 p.m. in Room 263. The first forum artist will be Rosana Eckert, accompanied by Fred Hamilton, Brian Mulholland and Jose Aponte. The venue will fill past capacity, so come early - this will be a superb occasion. (Paris Rutherford)

North Texas Jazz Festival in Addison has a new web site

The new site may be found here.

Matt Wilson Quartet to perform in Kenton Hall

The concert is on February 3, 2005 at 8 p.m. See www.mattwilsonjazz.com.

First Small Group CD Now Available

graphic design by Jared Stone

Counterpart (Jazz Chamber Vol. 1), the first-ever CD of UNT Jazz Small Groups, is now available via the recordings page. Eddie Gomez wrote the liner notes. The Ross Pederson Quintet and the Paul Orbell Sextet, two of the four small groups featured on the CD, opened for The Headhunters on January 28, 2005 at the Granada Theater in Dallas. Their performance before a large audience was well received.

Audition information updated

Prospective students are invited to check the the audition section of this site for updated information on auditions for acceptance into our program, for scholarships, and for ensembles.

Phil Woods

 

photo of Phil Woods

Phil Woods will be the Glenn E. Gomez International Jazz Artist for 2005. He will be in residence in the Jazz Studies division from Feb. 21-24, 2005, and will perform with jazz faculty and the One O'Clock Lab Band on Thursday, Feb. 24, 2005.

 

Buy tickets online.

 

 

Read more about Phil Woods at www.philwoods.com.

 

Jerry Hahn in Concert

Guitarist Jerry Hahn will play a concert with Stefan Karlsson, Lynn Seaton, and Ed Soph on Tuesday, Feb. 1 at 8 p.m. in Kenton Hall. A clinic will follow at 9 p.m. Admission is free for members of the UNT Guitar and Bass Association and $10 for non-members.

Jazz Singers and Alumni at IAJE

The Jazz Singers, directed by Paris Rutherford, performed at the 32nd Annual International Conference of the International Association for Jazz Education in Long Beach, CA in January.

 

UNT Jazz hosted an alumni party. Pictured below in the photo by David Gibble are (L to R) Stefan Karlsson, Larry Engstrom, Gunnar Mossblad, Larry Panella, Joe Jackson, and Chuck Tumlinson.

 

Seventeen Steps to Kenton Hall

No more clambering up a muddy slope to get to rehearsal: during the week before the spring semester started, UNT added a set of steps to the College of Music entrance closest to Kenton Hall.

Dan Haerle's new CD

Dan Haerle has just released the CD Standard Procedure, recorded with Jack Mouse and Bob Bowman, on the Blu Jazz label. Dan can be reached through his site, www.danhaerle.com.

One O'Clock Lab Band plays Midwest

The One O'Clock Lab Band, directed by Neil Slater, performed at the 58th annual Midwest Clinic in Chicago in December.

2005 Jazz Lecture series lineup

Feb. 1 Jerry Hahn (guitar); Feb. 8 Cecil Bridgewater (trumpet); Feb. 15 Hilton Ruiz (piano); Feb. 22 Phil Woods (saxophone, afternoon only); Mar. 1 Paul McKee (trombone); Mar. 8 Jeff Watts (drums); Mar. 29 Eddie Gomez (bass).

Weekly performances at the University Union

UNT Jazz ensembles perform every Tuesday from noon to 1 p.m. in the One O'Clock Lounge, and every Wednesday from 9 p.m. to midnight, at the Syndicate, in the University Union. The Tuesday afternoon series starts with the Two O'Clock Lab Band, directed by James Riggs, on February 1, and Wednesday night series with the One O'Clock Lab band, directed by Neil Slater, on January 26th.

Jazz Groups on Tsunami Benefit Concert

Benefit Concert for Tsunami Relief
 

Where: Sunday, January 23rd, at 8 p.m. in Winspear Hall of the Murchison Performing Arts Center.

Who: College of Music jazz faculty ensemble (Mike Steinel, trumpet, Jim Riggs, saxophone, John Murphy, saxophone, Tony Baker, trombone, Stefan Karlsson, piano, Fred Hamilton, guitar, Ed Soph, drums, and Lynn Seaton, bass); UNT One O'Clock Lab Band (Neil Slater, director); College of Music Faculty Brass Quintet (John Holt, trumpet, Keith Johnson, trumpet, William Scharnberg, horn, Tony Baker, trombone, Brian Bowman, euphonium, and Donald Little, tuba) performing Mendelssohn & Brahms; and the UNT A Cappella Choir (Dr. Jerry McCoy, director), who will perform works by Mendelssohn and Ginastera. Also featured: the world premiere of "Panggul Interlace Dua" by Ed Smith, which will performed by I-Jen Fang and Smith on a "gender wayang," an Indonesian instrument.

Admission is free, but donations are requested.

Those wishing to make donations in advance can send checks made out to the "The American Red Cross," with "UNT College of Music Tsunami Benefit Concert" indicated on the memo line, to: College of Music Tsunami Benefit Concert, University of North Texas, P.O. Box 311367, Denton, TX 76203-1367.

Those making donations at the door may use cash, check or credit card. (Gift acknowledgements for tax purposes will be provided for all donations except cash gifts, in accordance with American Red Cross policy.)

For more information about the tsunami benefit concert, or donating, or for directions to the Murchison, call the UNT College of Music at 940-565-2791. Directions to the Murchison are also available here.

Because of the special relationship between the UNT College of Music and His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand, the College of Music will donate the contributions and concert proceeds to the American Red Cross in memory of the His Majesty's grandson Poomi Jensen, who died in the tsunami disaster.

College of Music Dean James Scott, along with other representatives of the College of Music and the One O'Clock Lab Band, traveled to Thailand with several UNT officials in March of 2004 to present the King with an honorary doctorate, given in recognition of the King's skill in composition and performance in all genres of music, but particularly jazz and blues. An accomplished player of saxophone, piano, clarinet and trumpet, he has performed with such legendary musicians as Jack Teagarden, Lionel Hampton, Benny Goodman, and Stan Getz.

During the Thailand visit, the One O'Clock Lab Band performed for the King and then the King sat in with the band. Another part of the College's history of special connections with Thailand dates back to the enormously beneficial gift of $1,000,000 received from Thai businessman Charn Uswachoke in 1995. Uswachoke, along with other UNT alumni from Thailand, was instrumental in providing for the 2004 trip.

New releases: Lab 2004, The Big O, Lab '83

 

image of Lab2004 cover
image of The Best of the Big O cover

Lab 2004 by the One O'Clock Lab Band, directed by Neil Slater, and The Best of the Big O by the Two O'Clock Lab Band, directed by James Riggs, are now available via the recordings page.

On that page you'll also be able to purchase Lab '83, with compositions by Neil Slater, Chip McNeill, Bill Evans (arr. Matt Nicholl), Wayne Shorter (arr. Chip McNeill), and Harry Warren (arr. Mario Cruz), which is newly available on CD.