Guitarist David Spinozza, who has played with James Taylor, Carly Simon, Paul McCartney and Paul Simon, will be the guest artist for the Fairfield University Jazz Ensemble's spring concert on Tuesday, April 12, at 7 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. The concert will take place in the intimate Wien Experimental Theatre in the Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts.

Fairfield University's director of jazz and popular music Brian Torff, a noted bassist and composer, will lead the ensemble through a program of standards and innovative new works, including "Jaimoe's Shuffle" and "Beat Box Revenge," both of which he composed, and "Mike's Tune" by senior saxophonist Mike Tellerico. Selections also include "Sandu" arranged by trombonist Brendan Hermalyn and "Mutton Stew" arranged by pianist Nick Young.

Torff said he's pleased to have Spinozza join the students for the night.

"David Spinozza is a renowned New York studio musician who has played on countless important recordings with major artists," he said. "He brings a versatility to his instrument that will be great for our students to see and hear."

Spinozza's varied career includes stints as an in-demand studio musician, producer, arranger and writer, who has collaborated with some of the top names in jazz and pop.  One of the most recorded guitarists in history, he was the conductor, musical director and guitarist for two seasons of "Saturday Night Live" and is one of only two musicians to play on three of The Beatles solo projects.

Spinozza's guitar can be heard on Don McLean's classic "American Pie," Paul Simon's "Me and Julio Down By the Schoolyard" and Paul McCartney's "Just Another Day." He has also played with Aretha Franklin, Bonnie Raitt, Roberta Flack, Bette Midler, B.B. King, Judy Collins, Jim Croce, George Benson and Yoko Ono.

More recently, he played on New York Yankee Bernie Williams' new jazz album and Rod Stewart's second standards album. He also orchestrated and conducted the music for the 1999 film "Just the Ticket" starring Andy Garcia and Andie McDowell.

The Fairfield University Jazz Ensemble is an accomplished group of University students who often invite notable guest artists to join them in concert. Past guests have included Allman Brothers drummer Jaimoe, pianist James Williams, saxophonist Lou Marini and members of Blood, Sweat & Tears and Spyro Gyra.

Tickets to the Jazz Ensemble concert are $8, $5 for students. For tickets, call the Quick Center box office at (203) 2540-4010 or toll free at 1-877-ARTS-396. For more information, visit www.quickcenter.com.

Posted On: 03-12-2005 10:03 AM

Volume: 37 Number: 193