2012 News archive

New brochure about our Jazz Studies M.M. program

01/02/2012 - 10:47am

We recently created a new brochure for prospective applicants to our M.M. in Jazz Studies program in collaboration with UNT's university relations office (URCM).

The content of the brochure is available online: UNT Jazz Master's Degree

UNT Jazz at JEN

01/02/2012 - 11:09am

We welcome all UNT jazz alumni, current students, prospective students, and friends of the program to our reception at the Jazz Education Network conference in Louisville this week.

The reception is on Saturday, January 7th from 5:30-7:30pm in the Berthitt Room.

Here's the copy from our ad in the program that lists UNT-related events. The ad is available here: UNT-at-JEN-2012.pdf.

The University of North Texas Jazz Studies program invites you to visit our booth and to attend these activities:

UNT Jazz Studies Alumni Reception
Saturday, January 7th from 5:30-7:30pm in the Berthitt Room

Three As One featuring Steve Houghton, Lou Fischer & Stefan Karlsson
Thursday, January 5 12:30 p.m. - 1:20 p.m. P. Combs Chandler ST2

Dan Haerle Trio
Friday, January 6, 12:30 p.m. - 1:20 p.m. P. Combs Chandler ST2

Guide Tones and Color Progression in Jazz Improvisation Dan Haerle
Friday, January 6, 5:00 p.m. - 5:50 p.m. C. French ST3

New Music Vocal Jazz Reading Session Paris Rutherford and other UNT faculty
Saturday, January 7, 11:00 a.m. - 11:50 a.m. C. Caroll Ford ST2

Choices in Vocal Jazz Ensemble Direction, Jennifer Barnes
Saturday, January 7, 12:00 p.m. - 12:50 p.m. C. Stopher ST3

Vocal Improvisation: Letting Rhythm Lead the Way, Rosana Eckert
Saturday, January 7, 2:00 p.m. - 2:50 p.m. C. French ST3

JEN Composition Showcase, Paris Rutherford, Stefan Karlsson
Saturday, January 7, 5:00 p.m. - 5:50 p.m. PC. French ST3

Jazz Lecture Series 2012

01/03/2012 - 4:26pm

The Jazz Lecture Series was started by Neil Slater in 1982. You can browse previous years here. Here's the Spring 2012 lineup:

Carol Welsman, vocalist, January 31
Rakalam (Bob) Moses, drums, February 7
Dave Kikoski, piano, February 14
John Clayton, bass, March 6
Mary Halvorson, guitar, March 13
Jason Marshall, baritone saxophone, March 27
Brian Lynch, trumpet, April 10
Steve Turre, trombone, April 17

Dan Haerle honored at Jazz Education Network conference

01/12/2012 - 11:28am


At the 2012 Jazz Education Network conference, held on Jan. 4-7, 2012 in Louisville, Kentucky, Dan Haerle was honored as one of the "ABCD" Jazz LeJENds along with Jamey Aebersold, David Baker, and Jerry Coker. A gala dinner was held on Friday, Jan. 6, at which Dan was recognized along with the other honorees (except for Jerry Coker, who was unable to attend), Jamey Aebersold's quartet played, and photos were projected from the many decades of service to jazz education that the honorees have contributed.

Charlie Hunter at North Texas

01/12/2012 - 4:32pm

World renowned guitarist Charlie Hunter will be in Denton on Saturday, January 21 to play at Dan's Silverleaf. He will be on-campus at North Texas at 2:30 in Kenton Hall in the College of Music for a guitar master class. Admission is $20 at the door and is free to North Texas Guitar Club members.

Charlie Hunter master class Jan. 21, 2012

01/13/2012 - 5:25pm

Charlie Hunter will offer a master class on Jan. 21, 2012 at 2:30 pm in Kenton Hall in the Music Building. Admission is $20; free for North Texas Guitar Club members. He plays that night at Dan's Silver Leaf in Denton.

Bret Primack recaps JEN conference

01/14/2012 - 10:38pm

It opens with Tyler Mire's chart being played at the student composer showcase and ends with Dan Haerle's recognition.

Sergio Pamies releases "Borrachito" CD

01/17/2012 - 12:15pm


Current doctoral student Sergio Pamies has released a new CD entitled "Borrachito" on bebyne, a Spanish label. Sergio recorded it with the "Entre Amigos" band, his longtime flamenco jazz colleagues in Spain, and guest artists Christian Scott (trumpet), Antonio Serrano (harmonica), Diego Amador (piano), Rubem Dantas (percussion), and Pepe Luis Carmona "Habichuela" (vocals). Sergio composed most of the tracks. With Sergio's permission, here is a sample track, his tune "Fandango in Boskovice".

Roberto Verastegui releases "Meeting Point" CD

01/17/2012 - 4:04pm


Pianist and recent graduate Roberto Verastegui has released his debut CD, "Meeting Point". It features Quamon Fowler on sax, Jason 'JT' Thomas and Matt Young on drums, Li Xiaochuan on trumpet and Jacob Smith on bass. Find out more about it at Roberto's site and cdbaby and iTunes.

Armando Núñez Portillo earns new position, starts degree program

01/17/2012 - 10:05pm

Armando Núñez Portillo, a 2004 master's graduate of UNT, who published a book last year, is playing an important leadership role in jazz education in Mexico. He was appointed on Jan. 3, 2012 as Academic Director at Chihuahua's Music Conservatory. He also serves on the faculty at the Universidad de Chihuahua. Last week he succeeded in getting the administration to approve a jazz program at the bachelor's level. The program will include jazz improvisation, jazz theory, jazz composing and arranging, jazz history and jazz combos, in addition to the private instrument lessons. Congratulations, Armando!

Laura Otero releases "Atrás" CD

01/21/2012 - 11:34am


Current graduate student Laura Otero has released a new CD, "Atrás", in her native Colombia. It's a collaboration with guitarist Daniel Pinilla. With Laura's permission, here is a sample track, Este Niño.

UNT Alumni in Service Jazz Bands

01/21/2012 - 1:25pm

Alumnus and trombonist Victor Barranco mentioned in conversation at the recent JEN conference that there are a lot of UNT alumni in Washington, D.C.-area service jazz bands. I asked him if he could compile a list and he kindly obliged. --JM

[The West Point Band's Jazz Knights has Scott Arcangel on piano, Brandon Nelson bass, Mark Tonelli guitar & Eric Ordway on trombone. Thanks to Scott Arcangel for this information.]

28 out of 73 musicians in Washington, D.C.-area servicejazz bands:

U.S. Army Blues: 6
Trumpets: Craig Fraedrich
Trombone: Victor Barranco
Sax: Antonio Orta, Bill Linney, Joesph Henson
Drums: Steve Fidyk

Airmen of Note: 8
Trumpets: Rich Sigler
Trombone: (former)Joe Jackson, Jeff Martin, Ben Patterson
Sax: Tyler Kuebler, Andy Axelrad, Doug Morgan
Arranger: Alan Baylock

U.S. Navy Commodores: 4
Trombone: David Perkel
Saxes: Luis Hernandez, Phil Burlin, Stephen Williams

U.S. Army Jazz Ambassadors: 10
Trumpet: Jack Wengrosky, Kevin Watt
Trombone: Michael Bravin, Michael Buckley
Sax: Andrew Layton, Bradford Danho, Joshua Fox, Pat Shook, (Dustin Mollick when he finishes Basic Training in April)
Piano: Tim Young

 

Spring 2012 Jazz Studies events

01/22/2012 - 11:33am

We have a full calendar of events for spring 2012. More are being added (like degree recitals). There are several ways to keep track of them:

One O'Clock Lab Band concerts are listed here: jazz.unt.edu/oneoclock/gigs and on the Jazz Studies Events Calendar: music.unt.edu/event-calendar

The Jazz Studies music.unt.edu/event-calendar lists all of the degree recitals, on-campus concerts and masterclasses, and off-campus concerts. It's updated frequently.

Weekly ensemble concerts in the University Union are included in our events calendar

Special event this semester: The Army Blues Small Band will be performing at the Syndicate on Wednesday, February 29 from 9pm to midnight. As the name implies, this is a small group comprised of members of the United States Army Blues big band. The members are:
Sax: Joseph Henson (UNT Alumnus)
Trumpet: Craig Fraedrich (UNT Alumnus)
Trombone: Victor Barranco (UNT Alumnus)
Piano: Tony Nalker
Bass: Regan Brough
Guitar: Jim Roberts
Drums: Steve Fidyk

If you would like to confirm details of any of our events, you can call the Jazz Studies Office at (940) 565-3743.

 

Michael League on Creative Entrepreneurship

01/26/2012 - 4:37pm

Creative Entrepreneurship in the New Music Industry
Michael League
bassist, composer, founder of the band Snarky Puppy
www.snarkypuppy.com
Friday February 3, 2012 3-4 p.m. Music Building 321

I’ll be discussing the changing trends in the music industry, running and managing a creative ensemble, analyzing and dissecting my yearly income, comparing college degree requirements to skill set requirements for financial sustainability, creating a blue ocean market for your musical passion, structuring your brand around an ethical and inspired ethos, and a list of things I wish I would have learned in college.

Adam Schatz on Building Audiences for Creative Music

01/26/2012 - 5:15pm

Adam Schatz
Brooklyn-based Creative Musician
Founder and CEO of Search & Restore
searchandrestore.com

March 1, 2012, 5-6:30 p.m.
Room 287, Music Building

Adam will discuss:
• the founding of Search & Restore, the non-profit that serves as a point of discovery for new audiences for the jazz and improvised music community;
• new ways to build audiences;
• and your questions.

Sponsored by the College of Music music career development initiative and the Division of Jazz Studies

Jake Hanlon, Paul Tynan receive Jazz Recording of the Year nominations

01/30/2012 - 2:47pm

Two recordings by UNT jazz alumni were nominated for "Jazz Recording of the Year" by the East Coast Music Association, a non-profit that supports the music of Atlantic Canada:


Jake Hanlon (with Graham Richards, Colin Hinton and Ryan Hagler--all UNT alumni)


Paul Tynan (and UNT alumnus Fred Kennedy), for Ocean Sounds Quartet - Live at Ship's Company Theatre

Both are UNT M.M. (Jazz Studies) alumni now teaching on the faculty of St. Francis Xavier University, Nova Scotia, Canada. The awards ceremony is April 15th, 2012. Thanks to alumnus Josh Hanlon for this news.

Fundamental's Kickstarter project

02/02/2012 - 5:26pm

Fundamental is doing a Kickstarter fundraising campaign for our first album. Fundamental is a collaborative project between the musicians to create new and interesting music inspired by a wide range of genres including many styles of jazz, Carnatic music, hip-hop, indie-rock, American folk/country, Western classical music, Minimalism, and electronic music. Development will contain 11 original pieces performed by all current or ex-students of North Texas:

Devin Eddleman- alto saxophone, tenor saxophone, clarinet, flute
Spenser Liszt- bass clarinet, soprano saxophone
Nick Salvucci- tenor saxophone, flute
Lane Garner- guitar
Mike Luzecky- bass
Perry Grace- bass
Luke Angle- drums
Colin Hinton- drums
Kathryn Stachitus- voice

Any help would be greatly appreciated and would make it possible to release this album. Different donation amount come with certain incentives such as copies of the cd, stickers and copies of the scores. Even if you cannot donate please watch our video to hear some clips from the upcoming album.

http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/fundamentalmusix/fundamental-debut-album-development

Thanks,

Lane Garner [current UNT jazz grad student]

Jazz great John Clayton to perform with UNT One O’Clock Lab Band

02/20/2012 - 5:26pm

From the UNT press release:

What: Bassist, composer and conductor John Clayton performs with the University of North Texas jazz faculty members and the One O’Clock Lab Band
When: 8 p.m. March 8 (Thursday)
Where: Murchison Performing Arts Center’s Winspear Hall, located along the north side of Interstate 35E at North Texas Boulevard
Cost: $10/$15
Contact: 940-369-7802 or www.theMPAC.com

DENTON (UNT), Texas ⎯ Grammy-winning bassist, composer and conductor John Clayton will perform with University of North Texas jazz faculty members and the six-time Grammy-nominated UNT One O’Clock Lab Band as part of the 2012 Glenn E. Gomez artist residency.
Clayton will work with students on campus March 4 – 8 (Sunday through Thursday) before a performance at 8 p.m. March 8 (Thursday) in the Murchison Performing Arts Center’s Winspear Hall, located along the north side of Interstate 35E at North Texas Boulevard. Jazz faculty members from UNT’s acclaimed College of Music will join Clayton for the first half of the concert, and the One O’Clock Lab Band will perform with Clayton during the second half. Tickets are $10 to $15 and are available by calling the box office at 940-369-7802 or www.theMPAC.com.
The Gomez endowment allows the UNT College of Music to invite internationally acclaimed jazz artists to the university for a brief residency, establishing relationships between artists and UNT students. Gomez, a graduate of UNT's College of Business Administration, has been a lifelong jazz fan.

About John Clayton
Grammy-winning bassist, composer and conductor John Clayton served as the artistic director of jazz for the Los Angeles Philharmonic from 1999 through 2001. In addition, he is artistic director for the Centrum Jazz Workshop in Port Townsend, Wash., and was also appointed artistic director for the Lionel Hampton International Jazz Festival in 2006. Clayton has written and arranged music for Diana Krall, DeeDee Bridgewater (including her Grammy award-winning CD "Dear Ella"), Natalie Cole, Milt Jackson, Nancy Wilson, Quincy Jones, George Benson, Dr. John, Gladys Knight, Regina Carter, Queen Latifah and many others.

He has been commissioned by many ensembles, including the Northwest Chamber Orchestra, the American Jazz Philharmonic, the Iceland Symphony, the Metropole Orchestra, the Carnegie Hall Big Band, the Richmond Symphony, the WDR Orchestra and the Amsterdam Philharmonic. Clayton was awarded a platinum record for his arrangement of "The Star-Spangled Banner" performed by Whitney Houston during the Super Bowl in 1990. He has won numerous awards such as the Golden Feather Award given to him by the legendary Leonard Feather and the Los Angeles Jazz Society's Composer/Arranger award.

Clayton has served as the musical director of several jazz festivals including the Sarasota Jazz Festival and the Santa Fe Jazz Party. As artistic director of the Vail Jazz Workshop, he participates in choosing talented students from across the nation in an intensive week of learning jazz. Last year, he was also appointed as artistic director for the Lionel Hampton International Jazz Festival. Clayton's serious study of the double bass began at age 16 when he studied with famed bassist Ray Brown. At age 19, Clayton was the bassist for Henry Mancini's television series "The Mancini Generation.” Later he completed his studies at Indiana University in 1975, graduating with a bachelor of music degree in double bass. Touring with Monty Alexander and the Count Basie Orchestra followed. He held the principal bass position in the Amsterdam Philharmonic Orchestra for more than five years.
The Grammy-nominated Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra is co-led by Clayton; his brother, saxophonist Jeff Clayton; and drummer Jeff Hamilton. Also, John and Jeff Clayton co-lead the Clayton Brothers Quintet, who have been nominated for two Grammy awards.

About the UNT One O’Clock Lab Band
The Grammy-nominated One O’Clock Lab Band, UNT’s premier jazz ensemble, has performed and toured throughout the world — including Australia, Canada, England, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Russia, Switzerland, Thailand and The Netherlands. The UNT One O’Clock Lab Band’s albums have received six Grammy nominations over the years, including two nominations for Lab 2009. The band performs under the direction of Steve Wiest, a Grammy-nominated arranger and associate professor of music.

About the UNT College of Music
The UNT College of Music is the largest and one of the most respected comprehensive music schools in the country. About 1,600 music students attend UNT each year, participating in more than 40 widely varied ensembles and pursuing specialized studies in performance, composition, music education or music scholarship. UNT faculty members and students have made appearances on the world’s finest stages and have produced numerous recordings, many receiving Grammy awards and nominations. Distinguished UNT alumni can be found around the globe, in top music ensembles, opera companies, universities and schools.

U.S. Army Blues Jazz Combo concert and master classes on Feb. 29

02/28/2012 - 10:33am

U.S. Army Blues Jazz Combo
Free concert at the Syndicate in the UNT Union Feb. 29 at 9 p.m.
Trombone master class with SSG Victor Barranco 12 pm Voertman Hall Feb. 29
Bass master class with SSG Regan Brough 5 pm Recital Hall Feb. 29

Chad Willis Jazz Orchestra plays music of Maynard Ferguson with Strings

03/16/2012 - 4:54pm

Chad Willis Jazz Orchestra
Performing the Music of Maynard Ferguson
Sunday, March 25, 2012 at 8 p.m.
Free admission
Voertman Hall, College of Music bulding
UNT Denton campus

Darcy James Argue's Secret Society performs in Texas

03/23/2012 - 12:36pm

From Steve Wiest: Darcy James Argue's amazing big band Secret Society will be performing at The Tarleton Jazz Festival in Stephenville, Texas THIS SATURDAY, March 24. The festival is put together and run by UNT Jazz Studies alum Greg Ball. Everyone remembers Darcy's visit to UNT last year and the great work he did with The One O'Clock and his incredible music. This time, he will be bringing his entire band! Please put this on your calendar and do all that you can to attend this event and support this important music.

Here is the info for tickets:

http://www.tarleton.edu/band/camps/jazz_festival.html

 

One O'Clock Lab Band performs at Denton High School on April 5, 2012

04/02/2012 - 2:51pm

UNT Day at Spec's Dallas on April 14

04/03/2012 - 1:30pm

2011 UNT Distinguished Alumna/Alumnus Award
Lindy ’72 and John ’72 Rydman

“Without NTSU (UNT) there would be no us; we met and married while studying music there. The intense studies, practice and juries required to succeed in such a remarkable College of Music prepared us for the challenges of developing our family’s business, which has enabled us to help other students attend the university.” Lindy and John Rydman

Lindy and John Rydman met when both were music education majors at North Texas. They married in 1971, while still in school. The Rydmans then moved to Houston to work in her family’s business, founded by her father, Carroll B. “Spec” Jackson, and his wife, Carolyn. The Rydmans took over the business in 1996 and have grown Spec’s Wines, Spirits & Finer Foods into what the Houston Press has called the “Best Liquor Store” for eight consecutive years.

In 1996, John and Lindy established the Spec’s Charitable Foundation with the purpose of supporting educational programs. In 1999, the foundation began funding a scholarship and an endowment at the University of North Texas and a scholarship with the Galveston-Houston Catholic Diocese. They are founding sponsors of the Hilton School of Hotel and Restaurant Management at the University of Houston. They are also underwriters of the University of North Texas’ renowned One O’clock Lab Band and the Houston Symphony’s Salute to Music Educator’s Concert.

The Rydmans are leaders and innovators in their industry and are recognized for their public service and philanthropy. The University of North Texas awarded them the Green Glory distinction in 2001 and the Martha Turner Award of Distinction from the UNT Alumni Association in 2004. In 2011, they received UNT’s highest honor, the Distinguished Alumna and Alumnus Award. We are proud to have them in our UNT family. We welcome them to Dallas and north Texas.

Mike Stern Trio in Denton April 13, 14

04/04/2012 - 2:29pm

The Mike Stern Trio will play at Dan's Silver Leaf April 13 and 14, 2012.

On April 14, Mike Stern will give a master class in Room 263 in the Music Building at 2 pm; admission is free to North Texas Guitar Club members, $20 to others.

UNT Jazz Singers Spring Concert with guest artists Vertical Voices Live

04/04/2012 - 5:08pm

What: UNT Jazz Singers, directed by Professor Jennifer Barnes, Director of Vocal Jazz, with guest artists Vertical Voices Live
Where: Voertman Hall, UNT College of Music. Voertman Hall is located within the Music Bulding on the UNT Denton campus. The entrance faces Ave. C.
When: Friday, April 6, 2012, 8 p.m.
Tickets: Adults $10; Seniors $8; UNT students and College of Music faculty free; Children, non-UNT students, UNT alumni $8; UNT faculty (non-College of Music), active duty military and veterans, $8. To purchase tickets: www.thempac.com or call Murchison Box Office at 940-369-7802.

The UNT Jazz Singers, directed by Prof. Jennifer Barnes, and guest artists Vertical Voices Live will present their annual Spring Concert on Friday, April 6, 2012, in Voertman Hall in the UNT College of Music. Prof. Barnes, in her first year as Director of Vocal Jazz, is a member of Vertical Voices Live along with Kerry Marsh, Julia Dollison, and Greg Jasperse. Vertical Voices Live is the vocal quartet-plus-rhythm section that was formed to enable live performances based on the arrangements of music by Maria Schneider that Kerry Marsh and Julia Dollison created through multi-track layering of their voices. The resulting CD, recorded in collaboration with the rhythm section of the Maria Schneider Orchestra, was released as Vertical Voices: the music of Maria Schneider as an ArtistShare project. On this Friday’s concert, the rhythm section for Vertical Voices Live will be the UNT Jazz Singers rhythm section. The concert will include compositions and arrangements by Jennifer Barnes, Julia Dollison, Clare Fischer, Greg Jasperse, Sarah Kervin, Kelly Kunz, Nando Lauria, Kerry Marsh, Pat Metheny, Manhattan Transfer, Connaitre Miller and Maria Schneider.

"My goal with the programming of the Jazz Singers portion of the concert," Prof. Barnes said, "was to be really diverse. I knew we were going to do a limited amount of repertoire this semester because we're sharing the concert with Vertical Voices Live. The singers are capable of singing anything, so it's more challenging and beneficial for them if they get a chance to do as many different things as possible. We're doing funk, modern jazz, Latin jazz, classic swing tunes including a Basie chart with lyrics, and an a cappella swing tune that we performed at the Kennedy Center last fall. What’s also going to be fun about this program is that we have both vocal improvisation and some really lovely solo features for several of the singers. The Latin jazz piece is a tribute in memory of Clare Fischer, an arrangement of the German folk song 'Du, du, liegst mir im Herzen.' There will be something for everyone."

The Vertical Voices Live repertoire, Prof. Barnes said, "is extremely complex and challenging. We have branched out from just the Maria Schneider repertoire, although we'll be performing two of the pieces from the Maria Schneider album." What distinguishes this group from other contemporary jazz vocal groups "is that the majority of our repertoire is wordless. Two out of our seven pieces have lyrics." The wordless pieces are "like a modern art piece that leaves room for listeners to interpret their own feelings and experiences." In a wordless vocal arrangement, “you’re hearing all the vocal textures but you can go on your own emotional journey without being told the plot line.” Julia Dollison, who is also a visual artist and created the artwork for the Vertical Voices CD, compares the lyrics/wordless distinction to the representational/non-representational distinction in visual art. Another distinctive aspect of this group is that all four members are composers, arrangers, and improvisers as well as solo jazz singers. “We use our voices as instruments,” said Prof. Barnes.

Voertman Hall is the recently renovated hall in the College of Music building. It has superb acoustics and seats approximately 380 people.

For those who are unable to attend, the concert will be streamed. Visit the page at the link below and it will start streaming about 15 minutes prior to the concert start time, 8 p.m. CDT.

recording.music.unt.edu/live

Brian Girley plays at Jazz Gallery in NYC

04/06/2012 - 8:53am


Brian Girley, a recent graduate of our master's program, who earned his undergrad degree here as well, plays at the Jazz Gallery in New York this month with Gilad Hekselman, Julian Shore, Linda Oh and Ross Pederson.

Brian Lynch with Jazz Faculty April 9

04/09/2012 - 4:10pm


Brian Lynch, Jazz Lecture Series Guest Artist, plays with Stefan Karlsson, Fred Hamilton, and Ed Soph at Sweet Water in Denton from 7-9 p.m. on April 9, 2012.

Tim Miller is here on April 18, 2012

04/16/2012 - 1:18pm


Guitarist Tim Miller, an alumnus of our program, will be here on April 18. 2012. At 5 p.m. he will offer a master class entitled "Arpeggio Architecture," followed by an open clinic at 6 p.m., in room 262 of the music building. Admission to each event is $5 for those who are not members of the UNT Guitar Association. At 9:30 p.m. he will present a free concert in Kenton Hall (room 282).

Steve Turre plays at Syndicate on April 17

04/16/2012 - 5:01pm


Jazz Lecture Series guest artist Steve Turre with jazz studies faculty and students. Tuesday, April 17, 9-10:30 p.m., Syndicate in the University Union.

One O'Clock Lab Band performs with Wayne Bergeron and Denis DiBlasio in Allen, TX on April 21, 2012

04/17/2012 - 1:12pm


The One O'Clock will be at the spectacular new Performing Arts Center in Allen Texas this Saturday. The first set will consist of new material for Lab 2012 as well as One O'Clock classics. The second set will be an exciting tribute to Maynard Ferguson featuring the One O'Clock with Denis DiBlasio and Wayne Bergeron. For ticket information: www.allenisd.org/pac.

Videos from the 2008 Neil Slater and James Riggs tribute are now available in the College of Music Online Store

04/18/2012 - 7:56pm


Neil Slater with saxophonist Sylvester Onyejiaka

Fourteen videos from the Nov. 22, 2008 North Texas Jazz Legends event are now available as downloads in the College of Music Online Store. The twelve music videos combine the video as it was broadcast that evening with the audio mixed by longtime One O'Clock Lab Band engineer Phil Bulla. Two of the videos are biographical portraits of Neil Slater and James Riggs produced by Phil Bulla. Proceeds from the sale of the videos benefit scholarship funds established in the names of Neil Slater and James Riggs.


L to R: James Riggs, Bob Belden, Mike Steinel, Jack Evans, Tom Malone, Lou Marini

 

Julia and Paul Adamy featured in Local 802 magazine

04/19/2012 - 3:10pm

Recent graduate Julia Adamy and her father Paul, who is also a bassist, are featured in this month's Allegro magazine, published by the New York City local of the American Federation of Musicians:

http://www.local802afm.org/

Look for the link to Allegro and scroll down to the story entitled "All in the Family".

Thanks to Rich DeRosa for sharing this link.

Kris Berg and the Metroplexity Big Band release new CD

04/19/2012 - 5:02pm

Alumni news from Kris Berg:

Kris Berg & The Metroplexity Big Band have released their first CD, “This Time/Last Year”, on the MAMA jazz record label in Phoenix, Arizona. The CD features all originals or arrangements by best selling big band composer, Kris Berg (BM ’86 / MM ’91), and features special guest artists Wayne Bergeron, Delfeayo Marsalis, Clay Jenkins (UNT) and Chris Vadala.

The Metroplexity Big Band includes Stockton Helbing (UNT), Tim Ishii (UNT), Collin Hauser (UNT), Bruce Bohnstengel (UNT), Jeff Robbins (UNT), Brian Clancy (UNT), Sarah Roberts (UNT), Kevin McNerney (UNT), Michael Burgess (UNT), Chris Seiter (UNT), Simon Willats, Milas Yoes, AG Robeson (UNT), Keith Jourdan (UNT), Micah Bell (UNT), Ken Edwards (UNT), Tyler Mire (UNT), Jack Evans (UNT), Kent Ellingson (UNT), Tom Burchill (UNT), Noel Johnston (UNT) and Roberto Verastegui (UNT).

The project was recorded, mixed and mastered at Crystal Clear Studios in Dallas and includes arrangements of “Softly, As In A Morning Sunrise”, “Night Dreamer” and “Gentle Rain”. Originals include the popular “R U Chicken?” as well as “This Time / Last Year”, “Games”, “Pah-Dáh-Pah-Dah”, “Forgotten Thoughts” and “I’m Okay, We’re OK!”

The international release date is scheduled for May 8, with electronic outlets shortly there after, but the CD is available now at: www.krisbergjazz.com.

Roberto Verastegui's EPK for Meeting Point

04/21/2012 - 8:07am

Congratulations to UNT's 2012 DownBeat Magazine Student Music Award Winners!

04/24/2012 - 11:55am

The UNT Division of Jazz Studies has a large number of awards this year,
which will be announced in the June issue of DownBeat. Congratulations to our students and their mentors!

Large Jazz Ensemble: Graduate College Winner
Two O'Clock Lab Band
Saxes: Justin Pierce, Alex Fraile, Nick Salvucci, J.R. Rocha, Spencer Liszt
Trumpets: Tyler Mire, Jake Boldman, Kevin Swaim, Ally Hany, Li Xiaochuan
Trombones: Carl Lundgren, Austin Short, Julie Gray, John Gauer, Craig Flentge
Piano: Sean Giddings
Guitar: Jacob Wise
Bass: Daniel Parr
Drums: Greg Sadler
Percussion: Ben Christenson
Vocals: Kaela Bratcher
Mentor: Jay Saunders

Jazz Group: Graduate College Winner
Zebras: Michelle Alonso-vocals; Jacqueline Sotelo-vocals; Adam Hutcheson-Alto saxophone and flute; Alejandro Fraile- Alto saxophone,
Soprano saxophone and flute; Mark De Hertogh- Tenor Saxophone, Soprano saxophone and flute; Luke Brimhall- Trombone; Li Xiaochuan- Trumpet and
Flugelhorn; Roberto Verastegui- Piano; Ian Tucker- Acoustic and electric bass; Jason Valdez- Electric guitar; Colin Hinton- Drums; Sergio Pamies- Director, percussion
Mentors: Stefan Karlsson/Richard DeRosa

Latin Group: Graduate College Winner
Sergio Pamies Latin Project: Michelle Alonso-vocals; Jacqueline Sotelo-vocals; Pete Clagett- Trumpet and Flugelhorn (soloist); Tyler Mire-
Trumpet (lead trumpet); Juan Chaves- Trumpet; Luke Brimhall- Trombone; Kevin Hicks- Trombone; Adam Hutcheson- Alto Saxophone; Alejandro Fraile- Alto Saxophone; Mark De Hertogh- Tenor Saxophone; Abdeel "Tito" Charneco- Tenor Saxophone; Todd Winton- Baritone Saxophone; Dustin Kiselbach- Acoustic and electric bass; Duran Ritz- Drums; Ben Christensen- Percussion; Anthony Corsaro- Percussion
Mentor: Stefan Karlsson

Jazz Soloist: Undergraduate College Winner
Brian Clancy, tenor saxophone
Mentor: Bradford Leali

Vocal Jazz Soloist: Undergraduate College Winner
Trenton Hull
Mentor: Rosana Eckert

Vocal Jazz Soloist: Graduate College Winner
Sarah Kervin
Mentor: Rosana Eckert

Original Composition – Orchestrated Work: Graduate College Winners
Michelle Alonso/Sergio Pamies, "Desabafo"
Mentor: Stefan Karlsson

Jazz Arrangement: Graduate College Winner
Tyler Mire, "Confirmation"
Mentor: Richard DeRosa

Large Vocal Jazz Ensemble: Graduate College Outstanding Performance
UNT Jazz Singers I: Kaela Bratcher, Mikaela Kahn, Katrina Cain, Sarah Kervin, Mihwa Kim, Lisa Markley, Ashleigh Smith, Trenton Hull, Aaron
Schumacher, Seth Weaver, Daewon Lee, Terrence Brown, Paul Shinn, Robert Hokamp, Kevin Bach, Dan Pennell
Mentor: Jennifer Barnes

Vocal Jazz Group: Graduate College Outstanding Performance
CircleSong: Kaela Bratcher, Kathryn Christie, Caity Brady, Tabitha Myles, Sarah Kervin, Ashleigh Smith
Mentor: Stefan Karlsson

Vocal Jazz Group: Graduate College Outstanding Performance
Zebras: Michelle Alonso-vocals; Jacqueline Sotelo-vocals; Adam Hutcheson-Alto saxophone and flute; Alejandro Fraile- Alto saxophone,
Soprano saxophone and flute; Mark De Hertogh- Tenor Saxophone, Soprano saxophone and flute; Luke Brimhall- Trombone; Li Xiaochuan- Trumpet and
Flugelhorn; Roberto Verastegui- Piano; Ian Tucker- Acoustic and electric bass; Jason Valdez- Electric guitar; Colin Hinton- Drums; Sergio Pamies- Director, percussion
Mentor: Stefan Karlsson

Vocal Jazz Soloist: Undergraduate College Outstanding Performance
Kaela Bratcher
Mentor: Rosana Eckert

Vocal Jazz Soloist: Undergraduate College Outstanding Performance
Ashleigh Smith
Mentor: Jennifer Barnes

Vocal Jazz Soloist: Graduate College Outstanding Performance
Kathryn Christie
Mentor: Rosana Eckert

Original Composition Lead Sheet: Undergraduate College Outstanding Performance
Drew Zaremba, "A Happy Song"

North Texas Jazz Records Discography Project

05/02/2012 - 2:19pm

In Spring 2012, pianist and Jazz Studies master's student Markus Little compiled a comprehensive discography of North Texas Jazz Records releases for all of our ensembles. Working from incomplete spreadsheets begun by students in MUJS 5440 (Introduction to Research in Jazz Studies), Markus used liner notes, the UNT library catalog, and his own listening to compile this set of discographies. While our goal is to create a searchable database, the preliminary version of each ensemble's discography is presented here in PDF so that musicians who participated in these recordings and other experts can notify us about any needed revisions.

View the discography: jazz.unt.edu/discography

The Longevity of Dan Haerle

05/04/2012 - 11:35am

Something remarkable occurred on May 2, 2012 that deserves to be documented here. On that date, I posted the first installment of the North Texas Jazz Discography Project on this site: the One O'Clock Lab Band Discography prepared by Markus Little, pianist and jazz studies master's student. The first track on Lab '67, the first of the yearly One O'Clock Lab Band albums, is "Concertino," composed by Dan Haerle.

Here's a photo from Dan's website from three years before that:


Dan's caption: "Dan on piano with the 1:00 Lab Band in 1964 at the State Department Auditorium in Washington D.C."

On that same day, May 2, 2012, Dan was part of a large and enthusiastic audience for the show by the band Snarky Puppy, made up primarily of UNT alumni, at Hailey's in Denton. Here's a photo from Dan's Facebook page of Dan and Snarky Puppy keyboardist Shaun Martin:

I hope that I remain as enthusiastic about new music as Dan is.

Dan: you're an inspiration.

John Murphy

 

Student profiles: Dustin Mollick

05/08/2012 - 11:12am

Students in MUJS 5440, Introduction to Jazz Studies, in Spring 2012 wrote journalistic profiles for one assignment.

Here is one by Kaitlyn Sakry on Dustin Mollick: download PDF of profile

New release from Alison Wedding produced by Michael League

05/15/2012 - 12:35pm

Alison Wedding (alum) just released her first album in 5 years on GroundUP Music/Ropeadope Records (Snarky Puppy's sub-label) today. It's called "This Dance."

http://alisonwedding1.bandcamp.com

Michael League produced/arranged it, and it features Chris Potter, Lionel Loueke, Henry Hey (alum), Pete McCann (alum), Ross Pederson (alum), Theo Bleckmann, Zach Brock, and many more. One of the engineers, Jeff Cook, is a composition alum.

Here's a video for the first track:

UNT student Addison Frei wins the Jacksonville Jazz Piano Competition

05/30/2012 - 2:37pm

Congratulations to UNT Jazz Studies major Addison Frei, who won the Jacksonville Jazz Piano Competition.

Read the article in the Florida Times-Union.

One O'Clock Lab Band with 8 guest horns play music from West Side Story

06/05/2012 - 4:21pm

From the recent International Horn Symposium.

Hicks, Brimhall win spots in top armed forces bands

06/07/2012 - 8:20am

Current student Kevin Hicks has won the audition for lead trombone in the Airmen of Note. The Note is the premier jazz performing ensemble of the U.S. Air Force and is stationed in Washington, D.C. This is the highest profile job of its type in the country and quite an honor for Kevin. The former lead trombonist with the group was Joe Jackson, himself a lead trombonist from the One O'Clock. There are a number of UNT alums in The Note including their arranger Alan Baylock. Kevin is in good company!

Recent Jazz Studies Graduate Luke Brimhall has just won the solo jazz trombone position in The Jazz Ambassadors. Part of The US Army Field Band, The Ambassadors are considered the premier jazz group of the US Army and one of the highest profile jazz positions in the world.

Steve Wiest, Director
The One O'Clock Lab Band
Coordinator of Lab Bands
The University of North Texas

Payawarú wins Latino Cultural Center Battle of the Bands

06/07/2012 - 1:20pm

On April 28, 2012, Payawarú, the vocal group made up of Laura Otero, Carolyn Curry, Emily Merrell, Mónica Gastelumendi, MeeJee Jacoba, Michelle Alonso won the battle of the bands held by The Latino Cultural Center sponsored by Ford Motor Company. Their performance of Laura's arrangements of Colombian music earned the group $5,000.

Panoramic photos from UNT Showcase stage

06/09/2012 - 11:55am

Four panoramic photos of the audience and stage at the UNT Showcase Stage at Denton Arts & Jazz 2012:

One | Two | Three | Four

photos by J. Murphy

Jiří Levíček premieres his piano concerto

06/11/2012 - 4:21pm

On April 13 and 14, 2012, Jiří Levíček, a former pianist with the One O'Clock Lab Band, premiered his Piano Concerto No. 1 with the State Philharmonic of Brno in the Czech Republic. He was commissioned to write this piece for them and the concerts were a part of the Czech Composers Concert Series. The 4-movement work is scored for 2 Fl, 2 Ob, 2 Clar, 2 Bassoon, 2 Horn, 2 Trp, 2 Trb, Timpani, Percussion, Strings and Solo Piano. Both concerts were recorded and broadcast by the Czech National Radio and Czech State Television.

Tatiana Mayfield Releases New CD

06/21/2012 - 2:33pm

Recent graduate, Tatiana Mayfield, will release her new album next month!
The release dates are July 22nd at Buttons in Addison (7pm), July 26th at Scat Jazz in Ft. Worth (9pm), and August 2nd at Sandaga 813 in Dallas (8pm).

Here's an mp3 compilation of all the tracks.

Hildegunn Gjedrem - Share Your Secret

06/28/2012 - 2:07pm

UNT Jazz alum, Hildegunn Gjedrem, has a new album out! Find out more at http://www.hildegunngjedrem.com/

Lane Garner & Other Alumni Release New CD

06/28/2012 - 2:22pm

For more information on Fundamental visit http://www.fundamentalmusix.com/

Sarah Kervin - Passing Through

06/28/2012 - 3:00pm

Recent graduate, Sarah Kervin, just released her debut album! Check it out at http://sarahkervin.com

Richard DeRosa's Sonnet Love Songs released

07/09/2012 - 2:18pm

One of Richard DeRosa’s recent creative endeavors has just been released on I-Tunes, Amazon.com, CD-Baby.com as well as youtube.com. The project is called Sonnet Love Songs. His collaborator, Deborah Anderson, an actress/singer/author/producer, wrote the melodies and I developed the compositions and performed the orchestrations from that point forward. Compositions are based on sonnets by well-known poets that include Shakespeare, Elizabeth Barrett Browning, William Wordsworth, Christina Rossetti, Alfred Tennyson, and Louisa Sarah Bevington. Musical styles range from classical to jazz to Brazilian to soft rock.
Featured UNT students are Brian Clancy on tenor saxophone, Matt Hornbeck on electric guitar and nylon string guitar, and Aaron Schumacher as a background vocalist. The video links to YouTube are found below. Presently there are just two videos but we hope to do more. Matt Hornbeck is featured on both of these soundtracks and Aaron Schumacher can be heard on "How Do I Love Thee?".

Shall I Compare Thee To A Summer’s Day?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=atsnUXpgWk8

How Do I Love Thee?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yPeTiBGODu0

Teriver Cheung - My Nocturne CD Released

07/12/2012 - 11:46am

Graduate, Teriver Chung, released his new album this month! Check it out at http://www.terivercheung.com/ or http://www.tippinrecords.com/

"Teriver Cheung reveals a gentle touch and a mature, composerly approach on his first recording as a leader. Accompanied by bassist Linda Oh, alto saxophonist Andrew Gould and his former North Texas schoolmate Ross Pederson on drums, guitarist Cheung (a onetime child prodigy on piano) demonstrates an impressive command of his instrument"
-JAZZTIMES (August 2012), Bill Milkowski

Teriver Cheung - My Nocturne CD Released

07/12/2012 - 11:49am

Graduate, Teriver Chung, released his new album this month! Check it out at http://www.terivercheung.com/ or http://www.tippinrecords.com/

"Teriver Cheung reveals a gentle touch and a mature, composerly approach on his first recording as a leader. Accompanied by bassist Linda Oh, alto saxophonist Andrew Gould and his former North Texas schoolmate Ross Pederson on drums, guitarist Cheung (a onetime child prodigy on piano) demonstrates an impressive command of his instrument"
-JAZZTIMES (August 2012), Bill Milkowski

Brian Girley Releases New CD

07/20/2012 - 11:11am

UNT Jazz alum, Brian Girley, released his new album this month! Available online now:

iTunes
http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/my-cross-to-bear/id538207644?i=538207710&ign-mpt=uo%3D4

Facebook page
https://www.facebook.com/briangirley

Video talking about Faith
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PoNpCWgSTNI

Two Twos

07/20/2012 - 2:20pm

The Two O'Clock Lab Band, directed by Jay Saunders, has released a new double CD entitled Two Twos.

It's available at our online store as a digital product: Two Twos.

"Miles of Shades" from Lab 2012

08/10/2012 - 8:47am

Presenting "Miles of Shades" from Lab 2012. An exciting new way of experiencing our music. Composed by One O'Clock students Jenny Kellogg, Aaron Hedenstrom,Tyler Mire, and animated by UNT Visual Arts student Peter Rand, this is a cutting-edge example of what modern jazz can do with imagery. Consider it a "jazz fantasia" and enjoy the amazing graphic realization with the brilliant writing!

"Miles of Shades"
1. "Code in 12/8" composed by Jenny Kellogg
2. "New York at Night" composed by Aaron Hedenstrom
3. "Miles Away" composed by Tyler Mire

Visual Realization: Peter Rand

The Lab 2012 One O'Clock Lab Band
Directed by Steve Wiest

Saxophones: Justin Pierce, Alex Fraille, Aaron Hedenstrom, Drew Zaremba, Spenser Liszt
Trombones: Kevin Hicks, Jenny Kellogg, Julie Gray, Jon Gauer, Sean Casey
Trumpets: Tyler Mire, Jake Boldman, Miranda George, Jordan Gheen, Miles Johnson
Rhythm Section: Sean Giddings: piano, Greg Sadler: drums, Brian Ward: bass, William Flynn: guitar

From the archives: One O'Clock Lab Band in Ft. Worth in 1975

08/14/2012 - 10:13am

click image for larger version

College of Music staffer Linda Strube found this photo in the UNT archives. It was taken when the One O’Clock Lab Band, directed by Leon Breeden, and the Ft. Worth Symphony Orchestra performed in a joint concert at the Grand Opening of the Fort Worth Water Gardens in 1975. This week marks two years since Leon Breeden's passing.

Lab 2012 Montage

08/24/2012 - 5:15pm

José Aponte interviewed on Radio Universidad in Puerto Rico

08/25/2012 - 10:26am

José Aponte, left, Dr. Emanuel Dufrasne González, right. Click for larger version.

José Aponte, lecturer in the College of Music and director of the Latin Jazz Lab, Afro-Cuban Ensemble, and Brazilian ensemble, led a study abroad trip to Puerto Rico this summer to his native Puerto Rico. In this interview in Spanish on the program "Musica Mundi" with Prof. Emanuel Dufrasne González on the Universidad de Puerto Rico's Radio Universidad, he speaks about the UNT Jazz Studies program and his efforts to promote the art of Latin Jazz at UNT and spread awareness in Puerto Rico about what is happening at UNT.

Audio of the interview in mp3

José Aponte, right, and the UNT Latin Jazz Lab at Denton Arts & Jazz 2012

Mike Drake publishes two books on jazz drumming

08/25/2012 - 10:37am

Mike Drake, longtime adjunct instructor of jazz drumset at UNT, reports: "The two books that I recently completed writing are now printed and available for purchase (it only took three years!). Drummers, check out these books, as they are guaranteed to tie your brain and limbs in knots (the kind of stuff we love)! Ed Soph calls them “Dahlgren on steroids!”. There are 2136 exercises, as well as two CDs with 192 tracks in each book." The books are entitled Out On All Limbs Volume 1: Triplet Stickings, and Out On All Limbs Volume 2: Duplet Stickings.

He will celebrate the publication on Sunday, August 26:

Mike Drake on drums
Brian Piper on keyboard
John Adams on bass
Brad Leali on saxophone
With special guest artist: Ed Soph on drums ("my biggest thanks to Ed for mentoring me with this project")

Sunday August 26, 4-7pm
At: Times Ten Cellars
6324 Prospect Avenue Dallas, TX 75214 ph: 214-824-WINE
http://www.timestencellars.com

Anthony Caceres - Don't Call It Love

08/27/2012 - 10:42am

UNT Jazz alum, Anthony Caceres, released his new album!
Available online now:
http://www.anthonycaceres.com/
http://www.anthonycaceres.net/live/
https://www.facebook.com/anthonycaceresmusic

Tom "Bones" Malone on Lab 2012

09/10/2012 - 8:12pm

"This album is supreme in every respect. Compositions, arrangements, variety of different styles, ensemble performance, section performance, solo performance, improvisation, virtuosity, intonation, sound quality, blend, balance, recording technology, mixing, mastering. Did I leave anything out? It also continues a legacy of UNT Jazz tradition of 65 years.

I have never heard a better album."
-Tom "Bones" Malone; The Late Show with David Letterman

Jazz Studies Alum Ryan Davidson wins the CCMA Guitarist of The Year award

09/13/2012 - 4:26pm

Ryan Davidson, featured guitarist on Lab 2009, which itself was nominated for two Grammys, has been voted the CCMA Guitarist of The Year.

The CCMAs (Canadian Country Music Awards) is the Canadian equivalent of the CMAs (Country Music Awards) in the USA. It is broadcast on CBC which is national television. An award can only be voted on by fellow CCMA members. There are 3 ballots for CCMA Guitarist of The Year. The first which includes all guitarists that are members, the second is narrowed down to around 25, the third is narrowed down to 5. The winner is then voted on by members and given the award at private ceremony of about 50 people.

Gord Bamford, who Ryan performs with, took home 7 of his 16 nominations. Another way of looking at it is, Ryan commented is that he is equivalent of Brad Paisley in the USA. "He's done really well here and mostly, he is one of the only acts to promote long improvised solos with little to no regard for 'keeping it country.'"

Ryan comments on winning the award that night: "I was not able to attend my ceremony as I was performing at Sony's Artist Showcase as were 2 other winners in Gord Bamford's group, Chad Melchert (Drummer of The Year) and Lisa Dodd (Bassist of The Year). The awards for instrumentalists are not televised and we all found out after we got off stage via text message and social networking. I originally thought it was a practical joke and I laughed out loud in disbelief as it is my first year as a member of CCMA."

Congratulations to Ryan!

Snarky Puppy plays in Denton on Sept. 17 and 18

09/14/2012 - 11:06am

"Judas Kiss" - Silent Short Film

09/14/2012 - 3:32pm

UNT jazz alum, Brian Girley, has a short film out based on one of his original songs and concepts:

Judas Kiss from Q. Ledbetter on Vimeo.

 

A man of broken dreams and menial employment struggles to understand how he and his wife have come to interact like strangers in their own home. What he discovers brings him to a crossroads where he must make a decision that could change their lives forever.

Brian Girley-saxophone
Julian shore-keys
Gilead Hekselman-guitar
Linda Oh-bass
Ross Pederson-drums

 

Tyler Mire and The Sweatervescence release "Common Threads" EP

09/16/2012 - 12:30pm


Recent graduate Tyler Mire's band "The Sweatervescence" has just released a four-track EP. You can find it at thesweatervescence.bandcamp.com.

The band is comprised of all former UNT Jazz studies students and won a DownBeat Student Music Award in 2011 for "Best Blues/Pop/Rock Group".

Alex Sipiagin, Rich Perry, and Donald Edwards are guest artists with Jazz Small Group program

09/24/2012 - 8:49pm

Alex Sipiagin, Rich Perry, and Donald Edwards will be on campus on Oct. 3 and 4, 2012 as guest artists with UNT's jazz small group program, which is directed by Stefan Karlsson. They will coach all of our combos throughout both days and do a Q&A session in forum class on Wednesday, Oct. 3 at 4pm in Kenton Hall (room 282 of the music building). They will also perform at Dan's Silverleaf on Thursday night at 9pm (two sets); there will no cover charge for students enrolled in the Fall 2012 Forum class. For further information contact Stefan Karlsson.


ALEX “SASHA” SIPIAGIN (trumpet)

For nearly two decades, jazz festivals and clubs worldwide has seen Alex Sipiagin performing with the likes of Dave Holland , Michael Brecker , the Mingus groups, etc. Born on June 11, 1967 in Yaroslavl, Russia, Alex began studying the trumpet at age 12, studying at the Moscow Music Institute and the Gnessin Conservatory in Moscow where he received his Baccalaureate. In 1990, Alex participated in the International Louis Armstrong Competition sponsored by the Thelonius Monk Institute in Washington D.C. winning top honors and soon after relocated to the jazz mecca of the world, New York City.

Alex soon became a favored player for various bands including the Gil Evans, Gil Goldstein’s Zebra Coast Orchestra, the George Gruntz Concert Jazz, drummer Bob Moses’ band Mozamba, Mingus Big Band as well as the Mingus Dynasty and Mingus Orchestra, and the Dave Holland Big Band and Sextet. In 2003 he recorded with Michael Brecker’s Quindectet touring also with the Michael Brecker Sextet. Alex has also worked with Eric Clapton, Dr. John, Aaron Neville, Elvis Costello, Michael Franks, Dave Sanborn, Deborah Cox, legendary producer Phil Ramone, etc., with many of the recordings becoming Grammy nominations and winners.

As a soloist, Sipiagin has eleven recordings to his credit, touring extensively throughout Europe, U.S., Japan and Russia with his own group. Since 2008, he has been teaching at the Groningen Prince Claus Conservatory, and has also taught at NYU as well as conducting numerous workshops and master classes at various music institutions.

Today, Sipiagin lives in the North Fork of Long Island and continues to perform and tour with the Dave Holland groups, Mingus groups (and various others) as well as with his own solo projects worldwide, and is a Yamaha U.S. artist.


Rich Perry (tenor sax)

Rich Perry has lived and worked in New York City since 1976. Along with the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra he is currently a member of the Maria Schneider Orchestra, the George Mraz Trio and the Harold Danko Quartet. He has recorded extensively for SteepleChase Records, including 18 CD's as a leader, 10 with Harold Danko, and other CD's with Ron McClure, Lee Konitz, Paul Bley, Dave Stryker, Gary Versace, and Dave Scott to name a few . He has also recorded on other labels with Fred Hersch, George Mraz, the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra, Maria Schneider, Renee Rosnes, Clay Jenkins, Thad Jones/Mel Lewis, the Joe Henderson Big Band, and the John Fedchock New York Big Band. He is on the faculty of William Paterson University, Manhattan School Of Music, and New York University.


Donald Edwards (drums)

Since his emergence in 1987 Donald Edwards has played across the globe with some of the finest musicians in jazz. He is now building a reputation all his own. Donald Edwards has performed with jazz greats such as Freddie Hubbard, Tom Harrell, Donald Harrison, Jesse Davis, Greg Tardy, Carmen Lundy, Branford Marsalis, Ellis Marsalis, Wessell Anderson, Orrin Evans, Joey Calderazzo, Wynton Marsalis, The Mingus Big Band, Dynasty & Orchestra, Charlie Hunter, Russell Malone, Alvin Batiste, Stefon Harris, Seamus Blake, Boris Kozlov and Mark Whitfield, After winning the Louisiana Arts Ambassador’s Award for Composition in 1994, Donald Edwards became one of the most sought after drummers on the New Orleans music scene. New Orleans is place with a vocabulary of music all it’s own and Edwards is a drummer steeped in that tradition. He came up playing different kinds of music ranging from marching band, hip-hop and pop to r&b, jazz, funk and gospel music. As a result, Edwards is now called on to play many different genres of music and meets them with creative interpretation and virtuosity. Donald Edwards is among the vanguard of players on the New York scene today.

UNT Wins Jazz Combo Competition

09/26/2012 - 4:33pm

The Fort Worth Arts Council held a "People's Choice" Jazz Combo Competition at Scat Lounge on Monday, September 17, 2012. The council members voted UNT as the number one Jazz Combo.

UNT Professor of Jazz Keyboard, Stefan Karlsson, entered a group of students to represent UNT. The group members are:

Addison Frei, keyboard
Nick Salvucci, saxophone
Stuart Mack, trumpet
Perrin Grace, bass
Matt Young, drums

These students will go on to represent the UNT Jazz Studies Division with a performance on November 30, 2012 at "Jazz Up the Night: Arts Council Toast of the Town Young Patrons Party" held at the Worthington Hotel in Fort Worth.

Kait Dunton Releases New Album

09/27/2012 - 11:16am

UNT jazz alum and composer/pianist, Kait Dunton, released her second album of original compositions this year: Mountain Suite. Kait is joined by drummer Bob Mintzer, tenor; John Daversa, trumpet; Darek "Oles" Oleszkiewicz, bass; and Peter Erskine, drums. Although the pieces can stand alone, the music is intended to be thought of as a single narrative, telling the story of a journey in the abstract. It is available on CD Baby, iTunes & Amazon.

CD Baby link: http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/kaitdunton2

YouTube video link to the track "Frolic": http://youtu.be/KcJGB7pamE8

Here's an mp3 of "Frolic"

Ashleigh Smith Selected as Finalist in the Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Competition

09/27/2012 - 11:41am

Graduate Jazz Vocalist, Ashleigh Smith, has been selected as a finalist in the Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Competition to be held in Newark, NJ on October 21, 2012 at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center.

Ashleigh, along with four other finalists, will get the chance to perform in front a panel of judges consisting of: Jon Hendricks, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Larry Rosen, Michael Bourne, and Melissa Walker.

More information on the competition can be found here: http://www.indabamusic.com/opportunities/sarah-vaughan-international-jazz-vocal-competition.

Ashleigh Smith (Lewisville, TX) was awarded the prestigious Downbeat Student Award for Best Undergraduate Jazz Vocal Performance in 2011 and the Outstanding Undergraduate Vocal Jazz Soloist in 2012. She is a member of the world renowned Jazz Singers, with whom she also won a 2012 Downbeat Award. Ashleigh has traveled and performed as a soloist and chorister in Washington D.C, Northern Ireland, Orlando, Florida, and New York City, and recently shared the stage with The Manhattan Transfer and Jon Hendricks during the Kennedy Center’s “Swing, Swing, Swing” concert series. She is currently on scholarship as a vocal jazz major at the University of North Texas.

Prof Goes the Extra Mile for Scholarships

09/30/2012 - 12:00pm

Update on Sept. 30: This fundraiser is completed. I finished all three parts (swim, bike, run) and had a good time doing it. The web page for paying pledges by credit card will be ready soon. As soon as it's ready, I'll send the link to everybody who pledged.

Every year, some students who earn admission to our program can't attend without the help of a scholarship. Like many of my College of Music colleagues, I contribute to a scholarship each year through the Dean's Camerata. This year I wanted to do more. When one of my Jazz Studies colleagues heard I was doing the Stonebridge Ranch Triathlon (Olympic distance) in McKinney, TX on Sept. 30, he suggested I make it a fundraiser. So that's what I'm doing. I invite your pledge towards the goal of $4,000, which will support a four-year commitment to a $1,000 scholarship per year for a jazz studies undergraduate student. If the student happens to be from out of state, the scholarship will enable him or her to pay in-state tuition.

John Murphy
Chair, Division of Jazz Studies
UNT College of Music
john.murphy@unt.edu

Final total: $2,697.65. That's 67% of the $4,000 goal.

Contributors include: Steven Meier, Christie Roden, Lynn and Marianna Seaton, Brian and Kelley Casey, Becky Hughes, Mike Myers, Idit Shner & Jesse Cloninger, Margie Sullivan, V. Lane Rawlins, Julie & Graeme Bice, Pat Gunn, Bryan and Michelle Hurt, Alan Edwards, Carol Pollard, Mike Steinel, Linda Strube, Jennifer & Steve Barnes, Terri Sundberg, Becky King, Ann MacMillan, Judy Fisher, Don Little, Ed & Carol Soph, Pamela Paul, Pamela Acker, Elida Tamez and Theron Palmer, Warren Henry, Laura Ford, Dan & Jill Haerle, Steve Harlos, Chuck Mandernach, Stefan & Jackie Karlsson, Jason Levi, Pamela Sutey, Beth Sutey, Susan Riley, Susan Manuel, Rich DeRosa, Andrew Koehler, Andrew James Bowling, Ana Alonso-Minutti, Aaron and Alyssa Hedenstrom, David Morgenroth, Rosana Eckert, Jay Saunders, Cindy Moen.

One O'Clock Lab Band in the New York Times

10/12/2012 - 3:52pm

The One O'Clock Lab Band's Oct. 12, 2012 CD release concert at McDavid Studio is listed in the New York Times (via the Texas Monthly) as one of The most interesting things to do in Texas this week.

North Texas Jazz on Facebook

10/12/2012 - 3:53pm

Our Facebook page is facebook.com/northtexasjazz.

Emily Merrell releases Embark CD

10/15/2012 - 4:55pm


Emily Merrell, 2012 graduate of our master's program, has released her new CD, entitled Embark.
More information is available at her website.

Scott Whitfield receives Jazz Educator Award

10/22/2012 - 11:53am

UNT alumnus Scott Whitfield received a Jazz Educator Award at the Los Angeles Jazz Society dinner/concert held on Oct. 21, 2012. Further information: lajazz.virb.com/jazz-tribute.

Ashleigh Smith

10/23/2012 - 12:52pm

Ashleigh Smith placed second in the Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Competition. Congratulations, Ashleigh!

A Jazz Dream

10/24/2012 - 9:40pm

TICKETS are ON SALE NOW for A JAZZ DREAM, the musical, a modern jazz take on Shakespeare's passionate romp! Adapted by New York Director Maggie Harrer with music arranged by the students of Richard DeRosa and performed by UNT Jazz singers and instrumentalists! Opens Nov. 1 at UNT Dance & Theatre Dept. Theatre. To purchase your tickets, please stop by the box office located in the RTFP Building lobby or call 940-565-2428. Box Office hours are Monday through Friday from 1 to 5 pm.

Click on image for larger version.

The New West Guitar Group

10/24/2012 - 9:48pm

The New West Guitar Group will be performing at the Syndicate in the UNT University Union on Monday, Oct. 29 at 9:00 p.m. They will also give a workshop in room 262 in the Music Building at 5:00 p.m. The workshop is free to guitar club members and the Syndicate performance is $5 at the door. This group began at USC and was a winner and performed in the evening of one of our North Texas Jazz Festivals in Addison. They have stayed together as a professional group in the L.A. area and have a new CD out entitled Round Trip Ticket.

CD Release - “Jubilee Suite” Live at the Grey Eagle

10/26/2012 - 2:46pm

New jazz trio CD release called “Jubilee Suite” Live at the Grey Eagle, which features three UNT alumnis: John Riley (drums), Mike McGuirk (bass), and Pavel Wlosok (fender rhodes). It’s all original music of Pavel Wlosok.

The CD was released in Europe and is now available in limited quantities in the USA via kickstarter at the following link:
http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1109233860/wlosok-mcguirk-riley-jubilee-suite-jazz-trio-cd-re

Mike Steinel Recital: To and From

10/31/2012 - 10:20pm

"I am very excited about the jazz recital Sunday at 3:30PM in Kenton. It will feature music that I have composed in the last two years that has been inspired by travel to South Africa and Haiti as part of the charity Instruments of Change®. Come on out if you can. It should be fun. The world is a strange and wonderful place. All people are united by a love of music." --Mike Steinel

click for larger image

Tatiana Mayfield's song "Real" is #1 on UK Soul Chart

11/07/2012 - 9:44am

Recent UNT jazz studies graduate Tatiana Mayfield has a #1 song in the UK. Her song "Real" from "A Portrait Of LadyMay" is #1 on the UK Soul Chart Top 30. You can find the chart at www.uksoulchart.com. "Real" entered the chart at #28 then moved to #13, #8, #4, #3, and finally reached #1 this week. Tatiana is planning a tour to London for next spring.


click image for larger version

Jim Snidero's new site: jazzimprovisation.com

11/08/2012 - 11:05pm


Jim Snidero's new site, jazzimprovisation.com, is now live. The site offers a variety of instructional videos on jazz improvisation, features top New York players, and uses cutting-edge technology.

Mike Stern plays with the One O'Clock Lab Band on Nov. 20, 2012

11/09/2012 - 3:08pm


(click for larger image)
Mike Stern is the Fall Concert guest artist with the One O'Clock Lab Band. Tickets: www.thempac.com.

Brad Leali profiled in UNT's InHouse

11/24/2012 - 10:51am

An interview with Brad Leali in InHouse, UNT's employee newsletter.

Dave Brubeck

12/05/2012 - 3:23pm

We mourn the passing of Dave Brubeck. During a residency in February 2009, Dave and his quartet and conductor Russell Gloyd gave memorable performances with our students and on their own. This photo shows the Dave Brubeck Quartet and Russell Gloyd rehearsing with UNT students on Feb. 24, 2009. Click the image for a larger version. Photo: Michael Clements/URCM

Dan Haerle Quartet releases new CD

12/18/2012 - 10:27am

The new CD by the Dan Haerle Quartet, Live at Luminous Sound, featuring Brad Leali, James Driscoll, and Ed Soph, has just been released. Here's the making-of video. The quartet will play a CD Release concert on Feb.3 at 3:30 in Kenton Hall.

Browse the news archive

12/28/2012 - 11:01am

You can find all of the news items that have been on the front page of this site using the Archive feature.

North Texas Jazz at JEN

12/28/2012 - 11:04am

North Texas Jazz activities at the 2013 Jazz Education Network conference in Atlanta.
list of North Texas Jazz activities at the Jazz Education Network conference in Atlanta in January 2013