Top jazz saxophonist Bill Evans will be the guest artist at the Fairfield University Jazz Ensemble's spring concert | Press Releases

Saxophonist Bill Evans, who has shared the stage with Miles Davis, Herbie Hancock, Mick Jagger and Willie Nelson among many others, will be the guest artist for the Fairfield University Jazz Ensemble's spring concert on Tuesday, April 18, 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.

"Bill Evans is one of the premiere modern saxophonists in jazz today and his recent work with Steps Ahead and other bands shows the level of his work both in the United States and Europe," Torff said.

Evans first joined the famed Miles Davis' group in 1980, when he was just 20. He went on to record six records with Davis and join the jazz legend of several world tours. He followed that with a three-year stint with John McLaughlin and the Mahavishnu Orchestra, with which he toured and recorded three CDs.

Since 1990, Evans has toured almost exclusively with his own band, playing a grueling schedule of more than 100 concerts each year around the country. In addition, he has produced, arranged and recorded 14 solo albums with his 2001 CD, "Soul Insider," nominated for a Grammy Award.

Evans is known for his eclectic tastes and proficiency in everything from Americana-flavored jazz and acoustic grooves to hip-hop, blues and bluegrass. His 2005 album "Soulgrass" features a stellar lineup of players, including Béla Fleck on banjo, Victor Wooten on bass and Bruce Hornsby on piano. Some joined him on a 24-city 2005 European tour and at eight sold-out shows at San Francisco's famous jazz club Yoshi's.

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.