News

The Lee University Small Jazz Ensemble, directed by Tom Hurst and Shawn Perkinson, and Jazz Ensemble, directed by Alan Wyatt, will share the stage on Tuesday, April 5, at 7 p.m. in the Conn Center.

“The Small Jazz student participants have collaborated to select a diverse concert repertory featuring a host of material, of varied styles and eras, across the full pantheon of jazz combo literature,” said Hurst. “We hope attendees will enjoy the variety as many of these selections are unique takes on classic jazz standards mixed with innovative jazz-influenced modern pop, soul, and world offerings.

The Small Jazz Ensemble will perform a variety of pieces including “Just For You,” an original composition by Paula Archer-Wyatt, Alan Wyatt’s late wife who passed away in 2012; “Dancin,” by Emily Bear; “Moanin,” by Art Blakey; “My One and Only Love,” by John Coltrane and Johnny Hartman; “Jean De Fleur,” by Grant Green; “Recorda Me,” by Joe Henderson; “Midnight,” by Lianne La Haves; “Fungii Mama,” by Blue Mitchell; “Night and Day,” by Cole Porter; and “Pools,” by Steps Ahead.

The featured genres of the evening include Jazz Fusion, Jazz Standard, Moderna Era Swing, Bossa Nova, Brazilian Samba, Neo Soul, and Modern Jazz Pop.

The Small Jazz Ensemble student performers include Noah Backus, percussion; Ellis Byrd, percussion; Madison Gobble, lead vocal performing “Midnight;” Jose Hairston, saxophone; Eva Kim, piano; Alex Loftin, bass; TJ McClendon, lead vocal performing “My One and Only Love;” Jaci Murden, lead vocal performing “Dancin;” Meliza Reyes, vibraphone and percussion; Kayt Slotterback, piano, synthesizer piano, and Rhodes piano; Jordan Trudeau, trombone; Noah Watermolen, guitar; and Ethan Wexler, lead vocal performing “Moanin” and “Night and Day.”

The Jazz Ensemble will play the second half of the concert and will perform the music of Toshiko Akiyoshi, Chris Walden, and David Foster, among others. One of the selections of music will be expanded for a studio orchestra, adding a six-piece string section and a four-piece horn section.

The Jazz Ensemble will also be joined by Michael Wyatt playing lead trumpet for the last two selections. Michael Wyatt is a sought-after freelance musician, presently serving as Principal Trumpet with the Knoxville Jazz Orchestra. He spent six years on the road touring with the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra and has toured with Doc Severinsen, among many others.

“Over the past couple of years, Small Jazz Ensemble has become a rather eclectic mix of not only jazz, but a nice blend of several musical genres, largely thanks to Professor Hurst’s insight,” said Perkinson. “I think there will be a little something for everyone to enjoy in this program.”

This free concert is non-ticketed and open to the public.

The concert will be available via livestream at leeu.live.

For more information about this performance or upcoming events, contact the School of Music at (423) 614-8240, or visit leeumusicconnect.com.