Fairfield University's Jazz Ensemble performs with special guest Trumpeter Marvin Stamm | Press Releases

7:30 p.m., Thursday, April 26, 2012
Performance takes place at Fairfield University's Gonzaga Auditorium

Fairfield University's Jazz Ensemble closes out its 20th anniversary season with an exciting Spring Concert program that features special guest artist Marvin Stamm, the critically acclaimed jazz trumpeter. The concert takes place at 7:30 p.m., Thursday, April 26, 2012 , at Fairfield University's Gonzaga Auditorium . The program celebrates the genius of two distinctive musical figures, jazz giant Thelonius Monk (1917-1982) on the 30th anniversary of his death, and the acclaimed hip hop producer and artist, J Dilla (1974-2006). The Fairfield University Gospel Choir will also perform. The Fairfield University Jazz Ensemble is directed by Brian Q. Torff, Fairfield University's Director of Jazz and Popular Music. Student leader is Brian Haswell and Joey D'Alessio. Tickets are $5 at the door.

"Both Monk and J Dilla represent innovative artists in Black music," said Brian Torff. "Though they are in different genres, the writing of Monk and the sampling of J Dilla indicate the creative span of jazz and hip hop. I thought it would be interesting to put them on the same program, though this has probably never been done before."

Special guest artist Marvin Stamm has been praised for both the art and the craft of his trumpet playing throughout a distinguished career. He's played with some of the best in the business since being discovered by Stan Kenton while attending North Texas State University. He performed with Kenton's orchestra after graduation, toured worldwide with Woody Herman, and eventually established himself as a busy jazz and studio trumpeter in New York City. He played with the Thad Jones/Mel Lewis Jazz Orchestra and performed with Frank Sinatra and the Benny Goodman Sextet, among others. Stamm was also a recognized first-call studio player, and he recorded with the likes of Bill Evans, Quincy Jones, Wes Montgomery, Freddie Hubbard, Stanley Turrentine, Michel Legrand, Lena Horne, George Benson, and many others. Currently, Mr. Stamm spends much of the year touring. His activities include performing and recording as a soloist, with his jazz quartet, and in a duo with pianist Bill Mays. The two recently formed and are touring and recording with a new group, the Inventions Trio, which includes cellist Alisa Horn. Stamm also performs with symphony orchestras throughout the country.

Fairfield University's Jazz Ensemble consists of Chris Finelli and Kyle Tzanetis, trumpet; Brian Haswell, Michael Mauro, and Camile Gomes, sax; Jenna Taylor, flute; Alicia Bissonnette, trombone, and Arthur Ashman guest trombonist; Micheal Wray, piano; Jamie Debicella and Doug Caputo, guitar; Joey D'Alessio, bass; and Jon Rivers and Chuck DeFilippo, drums.

The Jazz Ensemble's program for the evening includes the following works: "Waves/the Diff'rence," composed by J Dilla and arranged by Brian Torff; "Workin' On It," composed by J Dilla and arranged by Brian Torff; "Straight No Chaser," composed by Thelonius Monk and arranged by Joey D' Alessio (senior); "No Worries," composed by Robert Glasper and arranged by Alicia Bissonette ( senior); "Well You Needn't," composed by Monk and arranged by Jamie Debicella ( Graduate Student - American Studies); "Rhythm A-Ning," composed by Monk and arranged by Brian Torff; and "Round Midnight," composed by Monk and arranged by Brian Torff.

Gonzaga Auditorium is located in Gonzaga Hall on the campus of Fairfield University. Tickets will be available at the door of Gonzaga Auditorium the evening of the performance. For further information and directions, call ( 203) 254-4010 or 1-877-278-7396, or visit http://www.fairfield.edu/quick .