Renowned bassist Brian Torff of Fairfield will join pianist Florence Melnotte of New Haven in a jazz duo concert at Fairfield University's Lawrence Wien Experimental Theatre in the Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts on Thursday, Oct. 5, for two shows at 7:30 and 9 p.m. The duo will play standards and a few original pieces in a jazz chamber music-type setting.

Torff, also a composer, is currently Music Program Director at Fairfield University. A featured bass soloist, he frequently appears as a leader of his own band and plays with many other groups. This past summer Torff toured with the Union Trio throughout the Midwest, at the Kennedy Center and the Steppenwolf Theatre, and did a live CD in Minneapolis with pianist Eddie Higgins and guitarist Reuben Ristrom. In September, he will perform at the Blue Note in New York City with guitarist Larry Coryell.

Florence Melnotte, a native of Paris, is the founder, pianist and composer for the Four Roses quartet considered the blue-chip stock of the Swiss jazz scene. Of her talent, a Swiss newspaper said, "When she accompanies, her playing lends cohesion to the ensemble and, when she sings, her solos shine with freedom and improvisatory brilliance." Also a solo pianist, she has performed hundreds of concerts in Europe, Africa and the United States.

Tickets for the Brian Torff with Florence Melnotte concert are $10 and $5 for students with valid identification. For more information call the box office at (203) 254-4010 or toll free at 1-877-ARTS-396.

Posted On: 09-06-2000 09:09 AM

Volume: 33 Number: 34