Trombonist Ryan Keberle to perform with Fairfield University Jazz Ensemble | Press Releases

Seasoned musician has played with Wynton Marsalis, Justin Timberlake and Alicia Keys

FAIRFIELD, Conn. (March 26, 2015) – The Fairfield University Jazz Ensemble will present its annual spring concert with special guest trombonist Ryan Keberle at 7:30 p.m., Thursday, April 23, at the University’s Gonzaga Auditorium, Gonzaga Hall. The Ensemble is directed by Brian Q. Torff, Fairfield’s director of jazz and popular music. Tickets are $5 at the door.

Originally from Spokane, Wash., Ryan Keberle has navigated the richly varied avenues of New York City’s abundant music scene with passion and adaptability since his arrival in 1999. His diverse talents as a musician and composer have earned him a place alongside a staggering array of legends, superstars and up-and-coming innovators. Leading his piano-less quartet Catharsis or arranging for the little big band setting of his Double Quartet, Keberle draws upon lessons learned playing alongside masters of a multitude of forms, from jazz legends to indie rock ground-breakers, R&B superstars to classical virtuosos. He has toured with the acclaimed indie rock songwriter Sufjan Stevens and with the big bands of Maria Schneider and Darcy James Argue; he has accompanied soul hitmakers Alicia Keys and Justin Timberlake as well as jazz legends Rufus Reid and Wynton Marsalis; he’s been heard on movie soundtracks for filmmakers like Woody Allen and in the pit for the Tony-winning Broadway musical “In the Heights.” Keberle’s own music integrates those wide-ranging experiences into a highly personal jazz language that pays heed to tradition while searching out fresh and original pathways.

The evening’s program includes Torff’s “Ndiyindoda,” “Slow and Steady Wins the Race” composed by students Chris Finelli ’15 and Robby Schwartz ’16, “Alright” by Amanda Ocasio ’16 and two arrangements by DJ Horstmann ’16, “Lolona” and “Sway.”

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 .