NSU Jazz Ensemble to Celebrate CD Release with NSUBA

BROKEN ARROW - Northeastern State University Jazz will host a Broken Arrow CD release party "Jazz Concert on the Lawn" on Tuesday, Oct. 10, at the NSU Broken Arrow Campus.

The free event begins at 7 p.m. with a full jazz concert featuring the NSU Jazz Ensemble. The concert will mark the third such event in as many years for the NSU Jazz Ensemble at the BA campus.

The Northeastern State University Jazz Studies Program has recently released the new album by the NSU Jazz Ensemble, "Appointment in Milano." The album, featuring new original music by NSU faculty and students with one of the most respected performers in jazz today, continues the trend started with the critically acclaimed debut, "Hour of the Pearl." Bobby Watson, long regarded as one of the top jazz musicians in the world, returned to NSU to be featured as guest artist on the album.

"This CD is only the beginning of many good things to come from NSU Jazz. I have heard the band grow tremendously during my association with the band under Arthur White's leadership," Watson said.

"We are very excited to have the NSU Jazz Ensemble performing at the Broken Arrow campus. Students, faculty, staff, and residents of the Broken Arrow area can enjoy this award-winning ensemble in a free concert," said Ed Huckeby, associate vice president for Academic Affairs.

Although some seating will be provided, the event will be an informal, "lawn chair" event in the outdoor area by the NSUBA clocktower. In the event of threatening weather, the concert will move inside to the Visitors Center Gallery.

"We're hoping for a great fall evening, so everyone can enjoy the beauty of our campus and the music by this wonderful band," said Huckeby.

The album features Northeastern State University's Jazz Ensemble I, the flagship ensemble of the NSU Jazz Studies Program, under the direction of Arthur White. The album highlights the debut of brand new original compositions and arrangements by White, Watson, and NSU Jazz Studies students Bradley Spears, Tracy Patterson, Cory Martin, and Aaron Hollon.

"We always enjoy performing for the Broken Arrow community and are very excited to return with a great band," said White.

"Appointment in Milano" is on sale now at the NSU Jazz Lab for $12 and will be available for purchase the night of the concert. For more information, please call the NSU Jazz Lab at 918-456-5511, ext. 4602 or 4603.