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Evangel celebrates Jazz Appreciation Month with concert and video series

Published on Apr 2, 2015 by Katie Haney

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – The Evangel University Jazz Orchestra will perform with guest saxophonist Dave Pietro, Tuesday, April 7, at 7:30 p.m., in the Barnett Fine Arts Recital Hall.

There is no charge for admission, and the public is invited to attend.

Pietro is a renowned saxophonist from New York City who has toured and/or recorded with the bands of Woody Herman, Lionel Hampton and Maynard Ferguson. He has also performed with a wide array of musicians ranging from Ray Charles, to Blood, Sweat & Tears, to Harry Connick Jr.

The Evangel University Jazz Orchestra will be performing some of his original works.

“This concert is part of an historic semester here at Evangel. Never before have there been so many jazz events on campus, and this concert will be no less important,” said Joel Griffin, assistant professor of music and director of jazz studies at Evangel.

“Featuring a world class musician like Dave Pietro will not only be an amazing experience for our students, but the audience as well,” Griffin said.

April is Jazz Appreciation Month, and Evangel has released a video interview series with Kim Parker, daughter of jazz legend Charlie Parker, from her appearance on campus last semester.

To keep up with Evangel’s jazz studies program, follow them on Facebook.

Background on Dave Pietro

A native of Southborough, Mass, Dave Pietro has been on the New York music scene since 1987. He is currently a member of the Grammy Award-winning Maria Schneider Orchestra and the award winning Gil Evans Project.

His talents as a gifted saxophonist, composer, and educator have made him an in‐demand musician who has performed at jazz clubs, jazz festivals, schools and concert halls in more than 30 countries throughout Asia, Australia, Europe, North and South America.

“As a soloist, Pietro demonstrates power, energy, intelligence and humor. As a composer and band leader, he shows a love for music that swings, but maintains harmonic and melodic complexity,” wrote reviewer Frank Alkyer in Downbeat Magazine.

From 1994‐2010 Pietro played lead alto saxophone and recorded seven CD’s with the Toshiko Akiyoshi Jazz Orchestra.

Pietro has also toured and/or recorded with the bands of The Village Vanguard Jazz Orchestra, John Fedchock, Mike Holober, Anita Brown, Pete McGuinness, Jim Widner and Arturo O’Farrill.

PROGRAM

  • Young and Foolish by A. Horwitt & A. Hague
  • Bag’s Groove by Milt Jackson
  • Hello Pops by Wycliffe Gordon

Works featuring Dave Pietro:

  • Day By Day by Cahn by Stodahl & Weston
  • Forgotten Dreams by Dave Pietro
  • Permission Granted by Dave Pietro
  • Quiescence by Dave Pietro

KimParker_InterviewKim Parker Video Series

Jazz vocalist, Kim Parker was interviewed by Joel Griffin, Director of Jazz Studies in Evangel’s Department of Music. In this 9-part video series, Ms. Parker talks about her experience growing up on the jazz scene with her father, jazz innovator Charlie Parker, her mother, Chan Parker and her step father, bebop alto saxophonist, Phil Woods. Ms. Parker also shares her thoughts on performing music and the evolution of modern jazz.

Videos: