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MTSU Jazz Artist Series Features MTSU Jazz Faculty and Guests Performing Miles Davis’ “Birth of Cool

The second concert of the 2012-13 MTSU Jazz Artist Series will feature the MTSU Jazz Faculty Nonet performing music from the innovative and pivotal 1949 recording by Miles Davis, “Birth of the Cool.”  The concert begins at 7:30 p.m. in the Hinton Music Hall of the Wright Music Building on the MTSU campus.

     According to Jamey Simmons, Director of Jazz Studies at MTSU, Miles Davis was known as one of the innovators of jazz and formed the original nonet as a cooperative effort with other like-minded musicians in New York. 

   “Essentially many of the concepts were worked out as musicians stopped by arranger Gil Evans’ apartment, said Simmons.  “The door was left open and jazz musicians felt free to drop by and bounce musical ideas off each other.  These interactions resulted in one of the greatest achievements in jazz recording history,” said Simmons.

     The regular members of the jazz faculty; Jamey Simmons (trumpet), Don Aliquo (saxophone), Jim Ferguson (bass), Pat Coil (piano), Derrek Phillips (drums) will be joined by faculty members Angela DeBoer, horn, and Ben Miles, tuba.  Nashville musician and session player, Denis Solee will join the group on baritone saxophone.

     “One of the most captivating things about this ensemble is the addition of horn and tuba; two instruments not usually associated with jazz,” said Simmons.  “It’s exciting to have them play with us,” he added.

   Tickets to the Feb. 14 concert are $15 for the general public and free for MTSU students, faculty and staff.  Discounts for area band students and educators are also available.  For reserve tickets call (615) 898-2724 or email James.Simmons@mtsu.edu

   For further information on this and other concerts in the MTSU School of Music please visit the “concert calendar” link at www.mtsumusic.com or call 615-898-2493.