Playbill - Wycliffe Gordon Quartet (Wednesday, October 20, 2004 - 8 p.m.)
Contents
- Introduction
- About the Artists
- Upcoming Performances: The Nutcracker and 42nd Street
- Upcoming Performances: Jazz
- Upcoming Performance: Ronald K. Brown/Evidence Dance Company
Introduction
This performance supported by West Music Company.
Wycliffe Gordon Quartet
- Wycliffe Gordon, Trombone
- Oscar Perez, Piano
- Paul Beaudry, Bass
- Rodney Green, Drums
Tonight's program will be announced from the stage.
About the Artists
Wycliffe Gordon (trombone) enjoys an extraordinary career as a performer, conductor, composer, arranger and educator, receiving high praise from audiences and critics alike. He tours the world performing hard-swinging, straight-ahead jazz for audiences ranging from heads of state to elementary school students. His trombone playing, which mixes powerful intricate runs with sweet notes extended over clean melodies, has been universally hailed by jazz critics. He received the Jazz Journalists Association 2002 and 2001 award for "Trombonist of the Year," the Jazz Journalists Association 2000 Critics' Choice Award for "Best Trombone" and has been nominated for the 2003 Jazzpar Award.
In addition to a thriving solo career, Gordon tours regularly, leading the Wycliffe Gordon Quartet headlining at legendary jazz venues throughout the country. Gordon is a former veteran member of the Wynton Marsalis Septet, the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra and the Gully Low Jazz Band. His extensive performance experience includes gigs with Dizzy Gillespie, Nat Adderley, Harry "Sweets" Edison, Joe Henderson, Al Grey, Clark Terry, Branford Marsalis, Tommy Flanagan, Shirley Scoot, Lionel Hampton and Shirley Horn, to name just a few. Additional, Gordon has been a featured guest artist on Billy Taylor's Jazz at the Kennedy Center series.
Gordon's musical prowess has been captured on numerous recordings, including five solo CDs and three co-leader CDs. His latest solo effort, United Soul Experience, was released in October 2002. Gordon is featured on numerous recordings with the Wynton Marsalis Septet, the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra and many others. He is also featured on a to-be-released recording, produced by George Avakian, of previously unrecorded songs by Louis Armstrong.
Gordon is also a gifted composer and arranger. He was commissioned to compose a vibrant new score for the 1925 classic silent film Body and Soul (notable as the screen debut of Paul Robeson), which premiered at the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra's season opening night performance at Avery Fisher Hall.
His compositions have been performed by the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra and the Wynton Marsalis Septet, and included in programs at Carnegie Hall, the Gershwin Festival in Switzerland, Jazz Aspen/Snowmass, and as part of PBS's "Marsalis on Music" series. The 2001-02 Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra's concert season brought premieres of compositions by Gordon for a variety of ensembles, including jazz bands, symphonic bands and concert and gospel choirs in Russia, New York and the University of Scranton.
Gordon's television appearances have included the 1999 Grammy Awards, in the PBS special documentary "Swingin' with the Duke" and in two Live from Lincoln Center broadcasts -- "Uptown Blues," "Ellington at 100" (a collaboration between the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra and the New York Philharmonic) and "Big Train" with the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra. Gordon also appeared in Ken Burns' documentary series, Jazz. He appeared in "A Carnegie Hall Christmas Concert" and has also appeared with the Wynton Marsalis Septet in the feature film Tune in Tomorrow, starring Peter Falk, Keanu Reeves and Barbara Hershey.
Gordon is rapidly becoming one of America's most persuasive and committed music educators. Currently serving on the faculty of the newly established jazz studies program at the Julliard School, he also serves as artist-in-residence at the Michigan State University School of Music. His work with young musicians and audiences from elementary school to universities all over the world is extensive, including master classes, clinics, workshops, children's concert and lectures -- powerful evidence of his unique ability to relate musically to people of all ages. His current stop in the Iowa City area includes workshops for students and teachers, a Stage Door performance for area school children and a public discussion held at the African American Historical Museum and Cultural Center of Iowa in Cedar Rapids.
Born on May 29, 1967 in Waynesboro, Georgia, Gordon was first introduced to music by his father, Lucius Gordon, a classical pianist and teacher. His interest in the trombone was sparked at age 12 by his elder brother who played the instrument in his junior high school band. Egged on by sibling rivalry, Gordon's relentless pleading to his parents led to his first trombone. A year later, an aunt bequeathed Gordon her jazz record collection, and so began his pass for jazz music.
Oscar Perez (piano) is a New York City native and has shared the stage with jazz legends Bunky Green, George Russell, Curtis Fuller and George Garzone. He received his formal education at New England Conservatory and Aaron Copland School of music under the guidance of Danilo Perez and Sir Roland Hanna, respectively. Since moving back to New York, he has spent recent years traveling and playing in the musical groups of Wycliffe Gordon, saxophonist Felipe Salles and vibraphonist Christian Tamburr. In addition to sideman work, he can be seen with his own quartet which he fronts with vocalist Angel Desai.
Paul Beaudry (bass) has performed and/or recorded with artists including Clark Terry, Jimmy Cobb, Frank Wess, Billy Harper, Cyrus Chestnut and Eric Lewis, among others. His playing has been influenced by bass masters including Ray Brown, Paul Chambers and Ron Carter. Beaudry is a committed educator and an active composer, as well, creating music in the jazz, folk, world and popular genres. A native of San Francisco, he started his musical studies at age five and took up acoustic bass at age 20. Balancing an education in computers and music, he has become an in-demand musician in New York and beyond, currently performing with Eric Lewis Trio and Alan Harris in addition to the Wycliffe Gordon Quartet.
Rodney Green (drums) is a native of Philadelphia and was surrounded by music both in his home and in church -- where his father was a preacher and organist and his mother sang in the choir -- throughout his childhood. He began climbing on the drum kit to play at the tender age of three. At 14, he was noticed by percussionist Scott Robinson, who became his first teacher. Legendary musician Bobby Watson persuaded Green's parents to let him travel to Italy with him and while still in high school he was traveling internationally. He played with Christain McBride, Eric Reed, Greg Osby, Joe Henderson, Mulgrew Miller and other, joining the band of vocalist Diana Krall at age 19. He now has his own ensemble, the Rodney Green Group, and writes music while pursuing projects that interest him, including work with Terence Blanchard, Stefon Harris, Charlie Haden, Wynton Marsalis, Peter Cincotti and many others.
The Nutcracker and 42nd Street set to enchant and exhilarate Hancher audiences
December and January bring two of the biggest shows of the season to the Hancher stage. Make plans now to enjoy The Nutcracker and 42nd Street with your family and friends.
Clara, the Sugar Plum Fairy and the Rat King are returning to Hancher as the Joffrey presents its classic rendition of The Nutcracker. Commissioned by Hancher near the end of Robert Joffrey's life, this production is truly Hancher's greatest holiday gift of all -- a tale of wonderment and fantasy that has thrilled audiences since its 1987 world premiere at Hancher.
Joffrey set his Nutcracker in Victorian America, and the production features many period-specific items which belonged to the choreographer adding charming touches to the simple story. During a joyous party on Christmas Eve, Clara is given a handmade nutcracker by her uncle, Herr Drosselmeyer. At night, while everyone is fast asleep, she creeps downstairs, only to discover that her nutcracker is now a life-size prince! The Nutcracker Prince takes her on a Christmas adventure filled with fairies, kings and dancing snowflakes.
Delight in the artistry of the Joffrey; be enchanted by the bevy of local children as they light up the stage; thrill to Tchaikovsky's famous music as performed by the Cedar Rapids Symphony Orchestra -- this magical holiday tradition will be the centerpiece of your holiday celebrations whether you've enjoyed it before or are experiencing it for the very first time.
Peggy Sawyer and company move Hancher to 42nd Street in January. Winner of the Tony Award for "Best New Musical" in 1980 and "Best Musical Revival" in 2001, 42nd Street is the Broadway musical for people who love Broadway musicals!
A down-and-out director is at wits end when his star performer breaks her ankle. Understudy Peggy Sawyer steps in and steals the show. Meanwhile, a young man is working very hard to steal her heart. Driven by a spectacular line-up of songs -- "Lullaby of Broadway," "I Only Have Eyes for You," "We're in the Money," "You're Getting to be a Habit with Me," and, of course, the title tune -- and powered by dazzling tap dancing, 42nd Street will leave you breathlessly exhilarated.
Tickets for the five performances of The Nutcracker (Thursday through Sunday, December 9-12, including Saturday and Sunday matinees) and for the five performances of 42nd Street (Friday through Sunday, January 28-30, including Saturday and Sunday matinees) are on sale now. Call 335-1160 or 1-800-HANCHER, or purchase online at www.hancher.uiowa.edu.
Performances of The Nutcracker are supported by the Sugar Plum Visionaries. Performances of 42nd Street are supported by Cambridge Place Apartments, Phyllis Miller, owner; Hills Bank and Trust Company; Sheraton Iowa City Hotel; and Universal Climate Control, Thomas and Kathryn Nereim, owners.
Swingin' and Singin' -- Mehldau, Lovano and Freelon keep the jazz hot at Hancher
Three jazz greats take to the stage for two fabulous nights of music during the spring portion of Hancher's '04-'05 season. The Brad Mehldau Trio and Joe Lovano Nonet share a double bill on Tuesday, March 1, while Nnenna Freelon performs on Saturday, April 9.
Mehldau has proven himself a pianist to be reckoned with over a series of recordings that highlight his strong classical training and imaginative jazz vocabulary. Formerly a member of the Joshua Redman Quartet, he plays lyrical jazz piano in the tradition of Bill Evans, McCoy Tyner and Keith Jarrett. His trio is a vital part of today's jazz scene.
Lovano is a giant of the tenor saxophone and his nonet reflects his eclectic and flexible style. A burning energy infuses the music whether the tune is lyrical or the hardest of hard bop. No mere list of his expansive collection of awards could capture the muscular sound of Lovano's tenor or the powerful punch packed by the nonet.
With a sassy attitude and a sweet voice, Nnenna Freelon pushes the boundaries of the jazz songbook, finding inspiration is a wide array of music. Freelon knows how to swing, whether the song is by Stevie Wonder or Sarah Vaughn and delights audiences with her lively personality and killer smile. Her flawless voice is a true jazz treasure.
Tickets for the performances by the Brad Mehldau Trio and Joe Lovano Nonet and Nnenna Freelon are on sale now. Call the Hancher Box Office at 335-1160 or 1-800-HANCHER, or purchase online at www.hancher.uiowa.edu.
The performance by the Brad Mehldau Trio and Joe Lovano Nonet is supported by Eta Burken in memory of Paul David Burken; Dahl Ford of Davenport, Inc.; and Iowa House Hotel; the performance by Nnenna Freelon is supported by Drs. Lisa and Amir Arbisser, Eye Surgeons Associates, Inc.; and OPN Architects, Inc.
Ronald K. Brown/Evidence Dance Company speaks to the spirit
"Dance is the spirit talking."
So says renowned choreographer and dancer Ronald K. Brown. The members of his Evidence Dance Company will demonstrate the power of the spirit at Hancher on Friday, February 4, 2005. Blending traditional West African dance with modern dance and finding inspiration in the music of Nina Simone, Duke Ellington and Nigerian "Afrobeat" legend Fela Anikuplapo Kuti, Brown creates work infused with deeply spiritual content. Evidence will present three of Brown's works at Hancher including Grace, Upside Down and Come Ye.
Grace is performed to music by Ellington ("Come Sunday"), Roy Davis and Kuti. The work is about "people who are living their lives without acknowledging the 'grace' that surrounds their individual existences," says Brown. "Ultimately, most of my work is about people trying to get to the temple of God, or trying to be god-like -- to perform the work here on earth that we are supposed to do."
The two-part Upside Down begins with a premonition of community mourning followed by a race toward defining individual destiny -- a destiny which a song by Malian singer Oumou Sangare suggests is in God's hands. In the work's second part, Kuti's "Upside Down" provides the soundscape for a story of chaos and corruption due to the abuse of power and the desire for wealth. The loss of a community member serves as a rite and call for solidarity in this powerful dance.
Come Ye is set to Nina Simone's song of the same name as well as to music by Kuti. Brown says of the song, "'Come Ye,' as a call to folks living in fear but dedicated to fighting for their survival, was just incredible as a testimony of hope and warrior consciousness." Brown's creation expresses the idea of summoning soldiers, warriors and angels who are dedicated to liberation and willing to fight for their lives and ultimately, for peace. The work is awash in an intense, but never preachy, spirituality.
Listen to your spirit and experience this stirring even of dance with the Ronald K. Brown/Evidence Dance Company. For tickets, call the Hancher Box Office at 335-1160 or 1-800-HANCHER or purchase online at www.hancher.uiowa.edu.
The performance by Ronald K. Brown/Evidence Dance Company is supported by Richard and Mary Jo Stanley. It is also funded in part by the National Dance Project of the New England Foundation for the Arts, with lead funding from the National Endowment for the Arts and Doris Duke Charitable Foundation. Additional funding has been provided by the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation and the Ford Foundation.
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The University of Iowa Center for Macular
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