Department of Jazz Studies
University of Northern Iowa
In Local Color, the latest in a long series of splendid albums by the University of Northern Iowa's Jazz Band One, color is one of the primary ingredients; every number, in fact, is awash in radiant colors, from the prismatic opener, UNI alum Michael Conrad's "Gerry's Timepiece," to the chimerical closer,Curtis Fuller's dark-hued "The Egyptian." Between them are burnished original compositions by Brian Crew, Jack Cooperand Rick Hirsch; Wayne Shorter's well-grooved "Fee Fi Fo Fum," Eddie Harris' exuberant "Freedom Jazz Dance" and Kurt Weill / Ira Gershwin's elegant standard "My Ship," from the Broadway musical Lady in the Dark.
Recordings
This album presents a variety of music for large jazz ensemble, including originals and arrangements by students at the University of Northern Iowa. Supplementing the original compositions and arrangements is See Saw by Bob Brookmeyer, added here to pay tribute to this great master of jazz composition on the occasion of his recent death.
This is the twentieth CD release from the Jazz Studies division at the University of Northern Iowa. This album features 3 original compositions by senior trombonist Brian Martin, arrangements of classics by Dave Brubeck and Chick Corea (2) from senior saxophonists Gabe Scheid and Nathan Temeyer, and junior pianist Jon Snell. Rounding out the all in-house set are 3 originals by ensemble director Christopher Merz.
Northern Exposure (1992), also garnered an "Oustanding Performance" award in Downbeat's Annual Student Music Awards along with Bassist Mark Urness receiving an "Outstanding Performance" award for his talent. In addition, Jazz Band One was selected as the winner of the collegiate big band competition at the 1992 Wichita Jazz Festival.
Just Us is UNI Jazz Band One’s eighth CD. Released by the Sea Breeze Vista label, the recording documents the work of the 1998-99 band.
Leap of Faith is UNI Jazz Band One's 10th CD in as many years. The disc features two charts specially commissioned for the 50th Anniversary of Sinfonian Dimensions in Jazz celebration.
Conversations documents the work of the 1996-97 UNI Jazz Band One. The album features an arrangement by saxophonist Eric Allen, a 1997 UNI graduate of the Master of Music in Jazz Pedagogy program.
The 1995 release, That Big Band Thing, received a five-star rating in Downbeat magazine and was the only college band to be given that honor in that year.
The 1995-96 UNI Jazz Band One recorded Skittish and dedicated the album to the memory of former band mate Tom Capps. This band was also chosen to perform as the featured collegiate big band at the Elmhurst College Jazz Festival in Chicago.
The ninth CD release by UNI Jazz Band One and the second one for the Sea Breeze Vista label, At Dusk features an eclectic program of big band jazz. The title track was arranged for Jazz Band One by Rob Hudson, whose chart on Bill Evan's Very Early is also included.
Come Fly With Us, released in 1993, earned a five-star rating in Downbeat magazine. Trumpeter Jason Brewer also won an individual "Outstanding Performance" award in the Student Music Awards.
The Unlikely Event was recorded live at the Sinfonian Dimensions in Jazz concert February 21, 2004 and the Spring concert April 9, 2004. Tallcorn/SDIJ guest artist Peter Erskine appears on his own composition, Bulgaria, and contributes extensive liner notes.
Jazz Band One's seventh compact disc recording, Games, was released in October of 1998. Selections include arrangements and compositions by Washut and Todd Munnik, a graduate student in the Master of Music in Jazz Pedagogy program.
Field of Play (1994), earned an "Oustanding Performance" award in the category of Jazz Big Bands in Downbeat's annual Student Music Awards.
The last UNI Jazz Band One (Sea Breeze Vista: SBV-4547) recording to be made under the leadership of Robert Washut, West Coasting is culled from two separate recording sessions and a live concert.
Transformation is the first Jazz Band One cd produced under the leadership of Chris Merz. Featured selections include UNI alumnus Chris Schmitz' title track, classic compositions from Mary Lou Williams (Scratchin' in the Gravel) and Duke Ellington (East St. Louis Toodle o).
Renovation features 5 originals and arrangements by UNI students Ryan Middagh and Joel Nagel, and an arrangement by director Chris Merz. The disc also features guest solo work by Des Moines' wizard of the Hammond organ, Sam Salomone. Sam plays on arrangements transcribed by UNI guitar instructor Bob Dunn from the Ray Charles album, Genius Plus Soul Equals Jazz. Rounding out the album are pieces by 2007 Tallcorn Festival Guest Artist Kenny Werner and Duke Ellington.
The spotlight is on student composers on this album by UNI's Jazz Band One. Mike Conrad (Ithaca College Jazz Composer's Competition winner, 2010) and Courtney Beadel (ASCAP Young Jazz Composers Award winner, 2010) contribute new music to this recording, which also features UNI student composer/arrangers Easton Stuard, Ari Micich, and Peter Roberts. Rounding out the program are works by young jazz composers Dan Cavanagh, Ryan Middagh, and Rick Hirsch, as well as established jazz pianist/composer David Berkman.
This album by the University of Northern Iowa/'s flagship large jazz ensemble features fresh compositions and arrangements by its members and director, as well as an offering from a recent graduate. Kicking off the album is Mike Conrad's very first big band chart, written on the great Wayne Shorter's composition, Yes or No. the remaining material is all original, including new works by grad student Easton Stuard, seniors Peter Roberts and Joel Nagel, and UNI alum Ryan Middagh, now at work on an MM at Middle Tennessee State University. Rounding out the program are two originals from director, Chris Merz.
Need info
Need info
Need info