By Tiffany Edwards, University Relations
The UNCG Jazz Ensemble recently earned its second consecutive Blue Chip Jazz CD Award in the Campus CD division from the Jazz Education Journal.
Dr. Herb Wong, a reviewer for the journal, recognized the jazz ensemble for its latest recording, “Vision.” This is the 11th year Wong has given the awards.
“The [UNCG] band is an exemplary embodiment of blending ensemble vitality and precision,” he said in a phone interview. “It is a seriously outstanding band.” Among other strengths, he cited the group’s clarity, “expressive solo work” and “notable choice of material.”
“Vision” comprises nine tracks, including seven written by students in the Miles Davis Jazz Studies Program, which is housed in the UNCG School of Music. The compositions and their student composers are “I Cared for You,” Gregg Gelb; “Autumn Squeeze,” Peter Maness; “Vision,” Michael van Patter; “Atmosphere,” Peter Maness; “Collision Course,” Michael Sailors; “Angela’s Eyes,” Andrew Hays; and “Fading Twilight,” Mark Shoun. Steve Haines, director of the jazz program, contributed his talents for the final two selections: “Canada’s Ocean Playground” (composer) and “Forward Motion” (arranger).
The CD was recorded May 14-15, 2005, at Acoustic Barn Studios in Charlotte.
The Jazz Education Journal also recognized respected jazz programs from the University of Denver, Mt. Hood Community College, Temple University, the University of North Florida, the University of North Texas, the University of Northern Iowa and Western Michigan University.
The award is among several distinctions for the UNCG Jazz Ensemble in the past several months. In January, the musicians traveled to New York to appear at “The Dizzy Club,” part of Lincoln Center, and in February, the program hosted a Miles Davis tribute concert featuring former Miles Davis sidemen Reggie Workman, Wallace Roney, Mike Stern, and Jimmy Cobb. An upcoming CD inspired by the concert will be released in October.
For more information about the Miles Davis Jazz Studies Program or to order a copy of “Vision,” visit http://jazz.uncg.edu. Cost of the CD is $15 plus $3 shipping and handling.
Please note: The following is an audio file that can be downloaded to your computer or your mp3 player. Programs that can better assist you with this plug–in can be downloaded from: iTunes, Windows Media Player, Real Player, or Quicktime.
Click Here to Listen to a sample from the CD "Visions."