1/31/2006
Contact: K.E. Schwab -- 724-738-2199;
e-mail: karl.schwab@sru.edu
SRU JAZZ ENSEMBLE EVENT TO SPOTLIGHT RELEASE
OF CD
FEATURING SRU JAZZ TRUMPETER, FACULTY MEMBER
DR. STEPHEN HAWK
SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa.
– “This particular recording is off the scale for the
standard of arrangements, the technical brilliance of the musicians
and in particular the fabulous brass section,” reads an
Internet review from the British media of “Reunion,”
the latest CD issued by Slippery Rock University’s Dr.
Stephen Hawk, associate professor of music, and co-leader Charlie
Richard. The Hawk-Richard Jazz Orchestra CD goes public when the
SRU Jazz Ensemble performs selections at 4 p.m. Feb. 12.
The CD
release party will be held in the Multi-Purpose Room of the
University Union. Tickets are $3 for general public; free for
students.
The SRU Jazz
Ensemble will be joined by Richard, an award-winning composer
honored by Downbeat Magazine in the Outstanding Jazz Composition
category, and jazz educator in Los Angeles, on his first visit to
campus to offer selections from the CD. The newest CD is the
orchestra’s second: The first is “The Hawk’s
Out,” featuring Hawk on trumpet Richard on alto saxophone.
The pair met in graduate school when both musicians were studying
at the University of Texas. The CDs were produced on the SeaBreeze
label based in Pismo Beach, Calif.
The Internet review
(available in its entirety at:
http://www.btinternet.com/~j.r.killoch/hawk.htm) goes on to say,
“Their sound is universally big, accurate and deceptively
stratospheric... It is thrilling to hear the individual solos and
the ensemble crowned by such excellence. The writing demands a lot
off a brilliant saxophone section too, so absorbed will you be in
the writing that you will have to listen again to realize the
technical excellence of this section…I have seldom heard an
arrangement that produces so many challenges, in such a musical
setting that lift a band's performance to such heights. I cannot
recommend this CD enough.”
The
10-selection CD will be available at the concert, at the SRU
Bookstore located in the University Union and or online at
www.amazon.com Selections on the recording include “My
Funny Valentine,” “September Song” and a
three-part “Suite for Jazz Orchestra and Alto
Saxophone” written by Richard. Also included is “Ground
Zero,” an original composition written by Hawk depicting
events of 9-11.
In addition to his
university work, Hawk directs and performs as the lad trumpeter
with the Three Rivers Jazz Orchestra, composed of the best jazz
musicians in the Pittsburgh area. The orchestra will accompany the
SRU dance department for an 8 p.m. Feb. 24 concert in Butler County
Community College’s Succop Theater. Tickets to BC3 event are
$12, general admission; $7, students with ID and may be ordered by
calling 724-248-8505 or 888-826-2829, Ext. 8429.
PN, PGN, WPN, PR
HawkCK06.kes.doc