Fairfield University's Jazz Ensemble | Press Releases

With Special Guest: Kirk Knuffke, cornet
And the Fairfield University Gospel Choir

7:30 p.m., Thursday, April 25, 2013
Gonzaga Auditorium, Fairfield University

Fairfield University's Jazz Ensemble presents its Spring Jazz Concert with special guest cornetist Kirk Knuffke at 7:30 p.m., Thursday, April 25, 2013 , at Fairfield University's Gonzaga Auditorium . Fairfield University's Jazz Ensemble is directed by Brian Q. Torff, Fairfield University's Director of Jazz and Popular Music, with student leader Jenna Taylor . Also performing is the Fairfield University Gospel Choir directed by Maurice Wiley . Tickets are $5 at the door.

Originally from Colorado, cornetist Kirk Knuffke has been based in New York City since 2005 and has proven himself to be a versatile, energetic and tenacious artist. A largely self-taught musician, Mr. Knuffke has also studied improvisation with great jazz artists such as Ornette Coleman, Art Lande and Ron Miles. He leads several of his own groups, including the Kirk Knuffke Quartet and Trio, which play at venues across New York City. As a leader, he currently has three recordings available through the Cleanfeed and No Business labels. Additionally, he and pianist Jesse Stacken have recorded three CDs for Denmark's renowned Steeplechase label.

Kirk Knuffke stays very busy as a member of the celebrated Matt Wilson Quartet, touring the U.S., performing and teaching. Recent concerts with Mr. Wilson included the Newport Jazz Festival and Jazz at the Lincoln Center's Rose Hall, with guest saxophonist Marshall Allen.

The Jazz Ensemble's program for the evening includes: "Take Five" in honor of Dave Brubeck; "Caravan" by Duke Ellington, performed in a ska style; "Perdido" by Juan Tizol; "St. Thomas" by Sonny Rollins; "Hot 'Lanta" by the Allman Brothers; and "My Thunder" and "North Side Shuffle," two original compositions by Brian Torff.

The Jazz Ensemble consists of Chris Finelli on trumpets, Michael Mauro, Amanda Ocasio, and Alexis Ellis on saxes, Jenna Taylor on flute, guest Arthur Ashman on trombones, Robby Schwartz on piano, John Domenico and Jamie Debicella on guitar, Brian Torff on bass, and Chuck DeFilippo and DJ Horstmann on drums.

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 www.quickcenter.com .