The New Mexico State University Music Department hosts its 53rd annual Jazz Festival & Jump Start, November 12-13, 2021. Jazz enthusiasts, take note! Though this annual festival brings together college, high school and middle school jazz ensembles for two days of high intensity immersion into the genre, several top-notch jazz artists will be making appearances at concerts held in Atkinson Recital Hall.
On Friday, November 12, 7:30 p.m., the NMSU Jazz Ensemble will play a short concert of big band music, covering a variety of styles, featuring students and guest artist, Owen Broder. The alto and baritone saxophonist was the 2018 NPR Critics Poll Debut Artist of the Year and has gained notoriety, not only as a saxophonist, but also as a bandleader and composer. His American Roots Project, Heritage, was hailed as “a transcendent work of art” by Downbeat magazine. Broder plays and writes for Cowboys and Frenchman, an innovative jazz quintet who’s third album, Our Highway, was premiered this year by Jazz Times and WBGO. In addition, Owen is a member of the Grammy-nominated Anat Cohen Tenet.
In addition to having Broder perform with the band, the NMSU Jazz Ensemble will be playing two of Broder’s original compositions, including a world premiere. Joining the concert will be NMSU’s own Dr. Sarah Daughtry, singing Broder’s arrangement of Pensativa, and Dr. Allan Kaplan and Dr. Jacob Dalager playing trombone and trumpet, respectively, on A Nightingale Sang In Berkley Square. The concert will be followed by an open jam session, featuring the NMSU Jazz Combo, students and guest artists, at Mom’s Coffee. All are welcome to listen and play.
On Saturday, November 13, 7:30 p.m., the NMSU Jazz Ensemble will play another short concert of big band music, featuring guest clinicians and NMSU faculty, including Dr. Pancho Romero on trumpet, Dr. Jim Shearer on tuba, Ricky Malachi on drums and Dr. Sarah Daughtry lending her voice. Following this concert will be an after-party and performance by Proud Pete, NMSU’s Chicago-style rock cover band, at The Game.
In addition to these concerts, there will be workshops held all day Friday and Saturday for students. In addition, there will be several workshops that are open to the public. Jazz musicians, the jazz-curious, and music lovers of all ages are welcome to attend free-of-charge. The workshops are all held at Atkinson Recital Hall and include:
- Friday, November 12, 9 a.m., NMSU Professor Emeritus of Trumpet and Jazz Dr. Pancho Romero will present a workshop on jazz improvisations for all levels.
- Friday, November 12, 1 p.m., NMSU Professor of Trombone and Low Brass Dr. Allan Kaplan will present a workshop on developing a good sense of time and how to avoid playing the same thing in every solo.
- Saturday, November 13, 9 a.m., guest artist Owen Broder will present a workshop on the music of Johnny Hodges, coaching a student combo through the simplicity and sophistication of Duke Ellington’s and Hodges’ music.
- Saturday, November 13, 1 p.m., Jazz legend and educator Bobby Shew will present a workshop on the psychology, physiology, and scientific mechanics of practicing and playing a musical instrument correctly, efficiently, and effectively.
Posted by LasCruces.com
