By Stephanie Smith
Ninth Annual Jazz Week Showcases Many TalentsStephanie SmithThe University of Louisvilles annual Jazz Week took place last week and was
regarded as “one of the finest” by Mike Tracy, director of Jazz studies.
Both world renowned jazz musicians and U of L students performed to audiences
mostly seated to capacity.
Mike Tracy said that while students were impressed with saxophonist Pat La
Barbera and trombonist Delfeayo Marsalis and the other successful concerts,
Elvin Jones Jazz Machine opening performance has had everyone talking.
“Mr. Jones is a legend and showed why. At 75 he still has the energy and
drive that he exhibited with John Coltraness group forty years ago. He has
always been one of my favorite drummers and band leaders. He was also a true
gentleman, sharing his time with students freely.”
Putting together a program like this is a year round process. Jerry Tolson,
the Jazz Week coordinator, explained, “When this years event is completed we
will get together with the other jazz faculty members and discuss potential
artist for next year.”
“By August or September we try to have the artists under contract. Then we
start putting together the program with photos and advertisements. We also
send invitations to area middle schools, high schools, and colleges to take
part in the educational aspect of the festival.”
“By January we put together the full schedule including publicity
appearances, pre Jazz Week concerts and events. We also have to coordinate
ground transportation for all of the artists and students help for the week.”
The intention of the program is “to make legendary jazz figures accessible to
students at the university and interested parties from the community”
according to Tracy. “In addition to hearing great music live, it is our goal
to provide an opportunity for everyone to be able to interact with these
artists through clinics and workshops.”
Tolson agrees and said, “The fact that most of the artists also conduct
clinics where students and community get to interact with the artist in a
less formal setting is wonderful and one of the highlights of our program.”
Chris Walker, a former U of L student and avid jazz fan, said, “Its really
great that the school sponsors programs like this to exhibit the talent of
worthy musicians.”
Jazz Week has been occurring for nine years and has featured artist such as
Wynton Marsalis, McCoy Tyner, Billy Taylor, Michael Brecker, Phil Woods, Ray
Brown, and Stanley Turrentine.
According to Tolson, “the Jazz Week program has become one of the finest in
the region. [B]ut there continues to be room for growth”
The Jazz Studies program would like to attract more graduate students for the
jazz performance degree, increase the variety and depth of the courses they
offer, and see more U of L students who are not in the music school take
advantage of the event.
For more information about Jazz studies contact Mike Tracy at 852-6032 or at
miketracy@louisville.edu. Additional information concerning Jazz Week can be
found from Jerry Tolson at 852-6972 or ghtol01@athena.louisville.edu.
