Musician shares technique with class 9/26/2009 12:33 AM By RACHEL JOHNSON Staff writer
An evening of jazz promises to deliver an incredible sound.
The Aiken Jazz Society will host the Aiken Jazz Fest featuring Wycliffe Gordon, a performer, conductor, composer, arranger and educator.
Gordon will perform at the Washington Center for the Performing Arts on Sunday, Oct. 4 at 7 p.m. On Monday, Oct. 5, he will lead a master class at USC Aiken with the school's jazz band. The master class is open to all high school and college-age musicians.
"The master class is open to high school students as well," said Karen Gordon, the founding member of the Aiken Jazz Fest and Gordon's sister. "They just need to bring their instruments and the class is applicable for singers as well. He really stresses how important voice is to an instrument player. The voice is the original instrument. I can't wait to see the interaction between the students and him. He is so passionate about the music."
This Waynesboro, Ga.,- born musician has carved a musical career for himself in New York City and around the world. In addition to his solo career, he tours regularly with the Wycliffe Gordon Quartet, headlining at jazz venues throughout the world. Gordon is a former member of the Wynton Marsalis Septet and Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra and has been a featured guest artist on Billy Taylor's "Jazz at the Kennedy Center" series.
Gordon serves on the faculty of the Jazz Arts Program at the Manhattan School of Music. His work with young musicians and audiences from elementary schools to universities all over the world is extensive, and includes master classes, clinics, workshops, children's concerts and lectures - evidence of his ability to relate musically to people of all ages.
Gordon is working on a collection of trombone quartets, trios and duos to be titled "Trombone Majesty," and his first method book, "Basic Training, Exercises and Suggested Studies by Wycliffe Gordon," a compilation of the materials, exercises and approaches he uses in his teaching and in his own practice regimen.
Gordon is the youngest member of the U.S. Statesmen of Jazz, and in many tour performances serves as a musical ambassador for the U.S. State Department.
"He jumped at the chance to be able to come home and work," Gordon said. "This is his first time performing at the Aiken Jazz Festival. Audiences can expect a nice mixture of mainstream and traditional jazz with a little gospel and blues. He tailors his show to the vibe of the audience and always includes interactive elements."
The Aiken Jazz Society typically holds one event a year; however, it would like to see that expand.
The Aiken Jazz Society seeks new members who share a common interest in jazz and education.
"The Aiken Jazz Society formed in 2005 when a group of folks got together and wanted to see more jazz in Aiken," Gordon said. "We are happy to present traditional jazz music. Jazz is American indigenous music. It is really important we expose young people to it. It is important to keep jazz alive. Jazz is evolving and it is important to understand where the music came from to better appreciate where it is going."
Anyone wanting to join the Aiken Jazz Society should call 642-7148.
Tickets to the Aiken Jazz Fest are $30 and are available by calling 648-1438 or online at www.aikenjazz.com.
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