NSU Jazz Ensemble Releases New CD: “Global Citizen”

NSU Jazz Ensemble Releases New CD: Global Citizen

TAHLEQUAH On the heels of three straight critically acclaimed and nationally recognized CDs, the Northeastern State University Jazz Studies Program announces the release of the fourth CD from the NSU Jazz Ensemble, Global Citizen.

The NSU Jazz Ensemble will hold their CD release party/concert on Thursday, Sept. 18, at 8 p.m., at the NSU Jazz Lab, with a reception following the concert.

The new CD is a departure from the normal format, as it features new arrangements of the music of a single composer, trombonist Robin Eubanks.

Eubanks, widely considered as the premier jazz trombonist of his generation, is a Grammy award winner who tours with his own bands EB3 and Mental Images, as a member of the critically acclaimed Dave Holland Quintet and Big Band, and as a member of the SFJazz Collective. Eubanks has recorded several CDs as a leader and numerous projects with the Dave Holland groups, in addition to recordings with JJ Johnson, Michael Brecker, Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers, Branford Marsalis, and numerous others. However, this project marks an unusual twist for both Eubanks and NSU Jazz.

Originally, we were going to bring Robin in as we would for any other CD project, said Dr. Arthur White, NSU director of Jazz Studies. Typically, I arrange three or four pieces for the artist we bring in. However, I couldn't make a decision on which tunes to do, because Eubanks music really fascinates and speaks to me. The list of tunes kept growing, and I couldn't choose, so I decided to arrange the entire list.

It is rare to have someone approach me with the idea of doing a recording that consisted totally of my compositions, said Eubanks. Whites creative, imaginative arrangements definitely added to my enjoyment. It was really nice to hear his approach to my music.

The album also features the NSU Jazz Ensemble, the flagship group of the NSU Jazz Studies Program. The album highlights the debut of eight brand new original arrangements by White and NSU graduate Bradley Spears.

I had a great time with the students, who seemed eager to accept the challenge of doing this recording, Eubanks said.

White thinks this new album is going to turn many heads and create new fans of NSU Jazz.

I am never surprised by what my students are able to accomplish, and this particular project was our most challenging to date, said White. But they stepped up to the plate, and knocked it right out of the ballpark.

Eubanks was particularly impressed with the recording session.

It has been a great joy and honor to be a part of this project. I think everyone involved with the project did a great job, and Im thrilled to have been a part of it, Eubanks said.

Global Citizen: the Music of Robin Eubanks is available online at www.cdbaby.com, or at the NSU Jazz Lab. All proceeds from the sale of the record will support NSU Jazz Studies. For more information on the album, contact Arthur White at 918-444-4602.

9/4/2008

Published: 2008-09-04 00:00:00