Swiss saxophonist Nicole Johanntgen will make her St. Louis debut Oct. 7 as part of the fall Jazz at Holmes series.
The St. Louis Nu-Jazz 5tet will launch Washington University’s fall Jazz at Holmes series with a free concert at 8 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 9, in Brookings Quadrangle.
The quintet comprises veteran St. Louis trumpeter Randy Holmes, along with saxophonist Jason Swagler, guitarist Eric Slaughter, bassist Jeff Anderson and drummer Miles Vandiver.
On Sept. 16, Jazz at Holmes will return indoors to Holmes Lounge — its usual locale — for a concert by pianist Reggie Thomas, who will perform music of Thelonious Monk.
Thomas is professor of music at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville and serves as a consultant and clinician for Jazz at Lincoln Center with the Essentially Ellington program.
Next up, on Oct. 7, will be the St. Louis debut of Nicole Johanntgen, a Swiss saxophonist who is active with Jazzbarrage and the jazz improvisation scene in Zurich.
On Oct. 21, Jazz at Holmes will celebrate the 70th birthday of pianist Herbie Hancock with an evening of his music. Performers will include guitarist William Lenihan, director of jazz performance in the Department of Music in Arts & Sciences, as well as pianist Ptah Williams, bassist Eric Stiller and drummer Miles Vandiver.
Guitarist Steve Schenkel, professor of music in jazz studies at Webster University and a WUSTL alumnus, will perform Oct. 28 with pianist Carolbeth True, bassist Ric Vice and drummer Kevin Gianino.
Clarinetist Scott Alberici will lead an evening of music from the Swing Era Nov. 4. The following week, Nov. 11, will feature a live, note-for-note transcription of Miles Davis’ landmark album Kind of Blue, performed by an ensemble featuring trumpeter Danny Campbell, tenor saxophonist Jeff Anderson and and Jason Swagler on alto saxophone.
The music of Miles Davis, along with that of guitarist Mike Stern, will be the focus Nov. 18 when Ptah Williams returns to campus with his trio for an evening of modern jazz and fusion.
Concluding the fall series Dec. 2 will be acclaimed St. Louis saxophonist Willie Akins and his quartet performing the music of John Coltrane.
All concerts are free and open to the public and begin at 8 p.m. Holmes Lounge is located in Ridgley Hall, on the west side of Brookings Quadrangle, near the intersection of Brookings and Hoyt drives. Rain location for the performance by the St. Louis Nu-Jazz 5tet is Holmes Lounge.
Special Events
In addition to the fall concert lineup, Jazz at Holmes will present a pair of special events with two internationally renowned guitarists.
Mike Stern — the five-time Grammy nominee whose work will be performed by Ptah Williams Nov. 18 — will lead a free guitar clinic Nov. 19. Then, on Dec. 3, the legendary Pat Martino, whose four-decade career spans more than 50 albums as both sideman and band leader, will be guest of honor at a public symposium about his work.
Both the clinic and the symposium begin at 1 p.m. in Tietjens Hall, Music Classroom Building, 6500 Forsyth Blvd.
For further information about concerts or special events, contact Sue Taylor at (314) 862-0874 or e-mail staylor@wustl.edu.
Jazz at Holmes
Founded in 1996, Jazz at Holmes features professional jazz musicians from around St. Louis and abroad performing in Holmes Lounge — a casual, coffeehouse-style setting — most Thursday evenings throughout the fall and spring semesters.
Jazz at Holmes is sponsored by the College of Arts & Sciences, Office of Residential Life, Student Union, University College and Summer School, Congress of the South 40, Department of Music, Greek Life, Community Service Office, Campus Life, Danforth University Center & Event Management, Office of Student Involvement and Leadership, and Michael Cannon, executive vice chancellor and general counsel.
Fall 2010 Jazz at Holmes schedule
Sept. 9
St. Louis NU-Jazz 5tet, with trumpeter Randy Holmes
Sept. 16
Pianist Reggie Thomas plays music of Thelonious Monk
Oct. 7
Saxophonist Nicole Johanntgen, a guest artist from Zurich
Oct. 21
Music of Herbie Hancock marks his 70th birthday
Oct. 28
Guitarist Steve Schenkel and pianist Carolbeth True
Nov. 4
Music of the Swing Era, with clarinetist Scott Alberici
Nov. 11
Miles Davis’ Kind of Blue in transcription, with trumpeter Danny Campbell, tenor saxophonist Jeff Anderson and alto saxophonist Chad Evens
Nov. 18
Pianist Ptah Williams and his trio play modern jazz and fusion
Dec. 2
Music of John Coltrane, with saxophonist Willie Akins
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