FSU’s Department of Music Presents Jazz Combo in Concert

Frostburg State University’s Department of Music will present its Jazz Combo, directed by Tom Harrison, in concert on Thursday, April 18, at 7:30 p.m. in the Pealer Recital Hall of FSU’s Woodward D. Pealer Performing Arts Center. The concert is free and open to the public. This event will also be livestreamed; click the “Join Stream” button on this page a few minutes before the recital is scheduled to begin, or any time during the recital, to view the live performance.

In addition to Harrison on bass, performers will include Max Partlow on tenor sax, Joey Orr and Sam White on trumpets, Alex Frye on trombone, Taylor Bryan on violin and piano, vocalist Catherine Owens on piano, Riley House on piano and alto sax, Andrew Gula on guitar, Matt Alexander on bass and Ben Alvey on drums.

The Jazz Combo will perform many of the historically important jazz standards in their repertoire coming from the pens of some of the most respected performers in the business, including Herbie Hancock, Tom Harrell, Oliver Nelson, Horace Silver, Bronisław Kaper, Erroll Garner, Antonio Carlos Jobim and Chick Corea.

“Tell Me a Bedtime Story,” from Hancock’s eighth album, “Fat Albert Rotunda,” was recorded in 1969 and is one of his most intricate compositions.

“Moon Alley” was written by award-winning trumpet player Harrell who is known for his lyrical playing and composing.

“Stolen Moments” was written by saxophonist Nelson and recorded on the 1961 album “Blues and the Abstract Proof.” The album demonstrates his unique arranging talents.

Pianist Silver is represented in this concert by two well-known jazz standards. “Song for My Father,” from his 1965 album by the same name, is Silver’s best-known tune and has become a jazz standard. This and “Nutville,” from Silver’s “Cape Verdean Blues” album, were inspired by his father who was born in Cape Verde off the coast of Africa.

“On Green Dolphin Street” was composed for the 1947 film “Green Dolphin Street.” The music was written by Kaper and Ned Washington provided the lyrics. The instrumental version became a jazz classic and has been recorded by countless artists.

“Misty,” written by Pittsburgh pianist Garner, is his best-known composition with lyrics added by Johnny Burke later.

“Corcovado” (known in English as “Quiet Nights of Quiet Stars”), which refers to the mountain in Rio de Janeiro, was composed by prolific composer and Brazilian musician Jobim in 1960. It is in the bossa nova style that he is so well-known for writing.

“You’re Everything” was recorded on the classic album “Light as a Feather” by Corea and jazz band Return to Forever with lyrics by Neville Potter. The Jazz Combo will feature Owens on a version inspired by Earth, Wind and Fire vocalist Philip Bailey.

For more information, contact FSU’s Department of Music at 301-687-4109.