Jazz Bands to Present 'Autumn Leaves' Concert
JONESBORO – The Department of Music at Arkansas State University and A-State Jazz Studies will present “Autumn Leaves,” the annual fall jazz showcase, Thursday, Oct. 11, at 7:30 p.m. in Fowler Center’s Riceland Hall.
The evening will feature performances by the two large ensembles, A-State Jazz Lab, and the premier ensemble, A-State Jazz Orchestra, both directed by Dr. Ken Carroll. "The program runs the complete gamut from dance band music from the legendary swing era to exciting fresh sounds of today’s jazz," Carroll said.
A-State Lab Band will open the program with a traditional blues arrangement by Dave Mills titled “Blues for Thara.” The evening continues with Arkansas native Joseph Curtis’ great gospel tune titled “Devotional.” Curtis, from the Delta Jazz Workshop staff, is an alumnus of A-State Jazz Studies.
A modern funk piece, by Texas saxophonist and educator Rick Lawn, follows, “Step On a Crack.” The Lab Band set will conclude with another great Curtis arrangement, this time a modern pop tune, “Havana.”
After a brief stage change, the A-State Jazz Orchestra will dig into Duke Ellington’s classic swinger “Such Sweet Thunder,” a great showcase for the plunger-muted brass. The band really loves the Andrew Neu composition “Catwalk,” dedicated to the stylish contributions of Henry Mancini. The band will play another great arrangement by Dr. Tom O’Connor, “Red Clay.” This is a clever arrangement of a Freddie Hubbard tune with a great feel.
The high point of the evening will be “Cover Drive,” a 12/8 "barn burner" by Lachian Davidson. Written for the Australian National Jazz Ensemble, A-State Jazz Studies is eager to present this great music featuring talented tenor saxophonist Tyler Remagen, the most recent recipient of the Thomas Miles O’Connor Jazz Scholarship.
Tickets are free for A-State students and $5 each for the public. For tickets, call the A-State Box Office (870) 972-2781.
For more information about this concert or any other A-State music event, contact the Music Department at (870) 972-2094.
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