PR2003 Oct 23

PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Wendy Jones 205-391-2310

SHELTON STATE JAZZ ENSEMBLE TO PERFORM

The Jazz Ensemble of Shelton State Community College will present its Autumn Concert on November 4 at 7:30 P.M. in the Bean-Brown Theatre of the Sandra Hall Ray Fine Arts Center.

Directed by Dr. Alan Blackshear, the ensemble is composed of 24 members, including seven “senior” members. Local musicians Merle Lemley (piano), John Hasson (alto saxophone), Rush Hill (tenor saxophone), Tom Mullen, (trombone), Gwen Crocker (French horn) Dave Reynolds (bass) and the oldest member of the ensemble at age 83, Chesley Johnson (trumpet). The seven retired musicians supplement the 17 student members of the ensemble.

“All seven of these people wanted a place to play. My philosophy is that as a community college we should try to involve as many people from the community as possible,” said Blackshear. “Plus, these musicians were growing up when a lot of this music that we play was written, so they understand the style very well and help our traditional students with the swing style.”

Selections in the Thursday evening concert on November 4 include many standards: “Autumn Leaves,” “Alexander’s Ragtime Band,” “Can’t Help Lovin’ That Man of Mine,” “Sing, Sing, Sing,” and Pat Boone’s version of Ozzy Osborne’s “Crazy Train.” Also featured will be two vocal selections, “It’s Almost Like Being In Love” from the musical “Brigadoon,” sung by April Rigsby and “The Lady Is a Tramp,” sung by Michael Simmons. A trio composed of musicians Merle Lemley (Piano), Dave Reynolds (Bass), and Britt Payne (Drums) will also play several selections including Gershwin’s “A Foggy Day (In London Town).”

The 7:30 P.M. performance is free and open to the public.

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