The Cameron University Jazz Festival will feature guest artist Dr. Matt James, who will join the Cameron University Jazz Ensemble, the Lawton Jazz Orchestra and the Aggie Jazz Academy, on Tuesday, March 4, at 7:30 p.m. in the University Theatre.
The concert is open to the public at no charge. Tickets can be reserved by calling 580-581-2346 Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m., or online at https://www.cameron.edu/art-music-and-theatre/events/buy-tickets.
The Aggie Jazz Academy, comprised of high school students from Cache High School, Eisenhower High School Elgin High School and MacArthur High School, will open the concert with “On Green Dolphin Street,” “Old Devil Moon” and “Moanin’.”
Next to take the stage will be the Cameron University Jazz Ensemble with “Nowhere but Here” and “Luck Be a Lady” featuring Mvnte July on vocals. James will join the ensemble for “Footprints,” “Cheek to Cheek” featuring Grace Norbury on vocals, “I Thought About You” featuring Lillie Wright on vocals, and with “Livin’ Larger Than Life.”
Following a short break, the Lawton Jazz Orchestra will take the stage with “Caravan,” a challenging arrangement by Alan Baylock. James will then join the Lawton Jazz Orchestra for “Sky Dive,” “Belly Roll,” “Chucho,” “Blues for Yna Yna” and Duke Ellington’s “Boo-Dah.”
James is professor of saxophone and jazz studies at the Ohio University School of Music in Athens, Ohio. He serves as director of jazz studies, directs the university’s jazz ensemble and teaches applied saxophone. James was the recipient of the 2021 Ohio University School of Music Service Award and the 2008 Ohio University School of Music Outstanding Teaching Award.
A dedicated teacher, clinician and performer, James has appeared at numerous regional, domestic and international venues. He has collaborated with saxophone studios across the United States, along with performances at conferences of the North American Saxophone Alliance, Society of Composers Inc., International Double Reed Society, College Music Society, and Jazz Education Network.
James performed as lead alto saxophonist for more than a year with the Glenn Miller Orchestra, touring the U.S., Canada, Japan and South America, recording and appearing on radio and television. He performed and recorded as lead alto saxophonist with the Phil Collins Big Band, touring the U.S. and Europe. James’ freelance work has included performances with the Columbus Jazz Orchestra, Toledo Jazz Orchestra, the Dallas Jazz Orchestra, the Cleveland Jazz Orchestra, the New Remnants Jazz Orchestra and the Famous Jazz Orchestra. He has also performed with a host of musical luminaries including Aretha Franklin, Mel Torme, the Temptations, Lou Rawls, Donna Summer, The Four Tops, Rosemary Clooney and more.
A native of the Chicago suburb of Northbrook, Illinois, James was awarded Bachelor of Arts degrees in music and journalism from Northern Illinois University. He earned Master of Music and Doctor of Musical Arts degrees in saxophone performance from the University of North Texas. Recording credits include “Opening Lines,” “The Music of Brian Bevelander,” “File Under Latin Jazz,” “A Hot Night in Paris” (Phil Collins Big Band), “Singin’ With the Big Bands” (Barry Manilow with Glenn Miller Orchestra), and “Unsung Hero.”
The Cameron University Jazz Festival is made possible by a grant from CU Lectures and Concerts.
Dr. JD Little, conductor of the CU Jazz Ensemble and the Aggie Jazz Academy, will be joined by community members in the Lawton Community Jazz Band. They include K. Kay Alsobrook, Monty Booker, Derik Daubenspeck, Brian Francis, Pam Francis, Derek Griner, Ed Hefti, David Jackson, Michele Jones, Daniel Rogers and Lonnie Snodgrass.
Performers with the CU Jazz Ensemble and the Aggie Jazz Academy include:
Altus: Isaiah Moncrief
Cache: Taylor Aubrey, Kyle Daugherty, Kenneth File, Jacob Griner, Johnny Griner, Dylan Kelly, Caleb Vansant, Blaize Wright,
Duncan: Darien King
Elgin: Owen Ellis, Aiden Gutierrez, Maja King, Cory Ray, Ryland Rhoads, Brett Starkey, Melody Veloz
Lawton/Fort Sill: J.J. Bridges, Jamie Butler, Eddie Clark, Collin Fallon, Reece Henderson, Anthony Hodge, Hayley Kousman, Mvnte July, Grace Norbury, Jeremiah Phillips, Nicolas Raso, Tavien Todd, Lillian Wright
Meers: Irmtraud Bryant
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PR# #25-017
