MORGANTOWN — Famed jazz musician Wycliffe Gordon and His International All Stars will perform at 7:30 p.m. Friday at the WVU Creative Arts Center, with a special opening act, the university’s own Jazz Studio Big Band.
“They’re pretty excited about it,” said Jared Sims, director of jazz at WVU, of the 17 students in the group. “This is an artist they’ve heard of and respect a whole lot.”
Best known for his work with the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra under the direction of Wynton Marsalis, Gordon is an acclaimed trombonist, arranger, composer, band leader and music educator. The Wall Street Journal named his show “Jazz a la Carte” one of the five best moments in jazz history. He has
50 recordings to his credit.
“Wycliffe Gordon brings another element to the University Arts Series with his exceptional technique and signature sound,” said WVU Arts and Entertainment’s Kristie Stewart-Gale. “There’s a reason that the Downbeat Critics Poll named him ‘Best Trombone’ four years in a row. He is one of the top trombonists of his generation and we’re very pleased to be able to bring his incredible talent to the WVU community.”
Sims said he hopes seeing Gordon’s performance and being a part of the show will give students in the studio big band something to aspire to.
“I think this is giving them a reason to work hard and it’s a tremendous payoff — sharing the stage with somebody who’s at the height of the field they’re studying.”
He said the WVU band will play a variety of tunes by the likes of Buddy Rich, Count Basie and Bob Minster.
“It’s going to be high energy, up-tempo, fun music. I recently saw a playlist online called Jazz for Sleeping. This will not be jazz for sleeping,” Sims said, laughing.
And neither will Gordon’s time on stage, he added.
“He’s amazing on his instrument, and he’s also one of the better entertainers I’ve seen. He’s great to watch and as a band leader too. … He’s very expressive and a good representation of the art form in that way.”
“We bring these incredible artists and performances to Morgantown to open up the world of performing arts to our students and this is truly the best of both worlds,” Stewart-Gale said. “How exciting will it be for our student musicians to be able to list ‘opening for Wycliffe Gordon’ on their resumes?
“While he’s in town, Wycliffe is also hosting a master class as part of WVU’s Jazz Fest. Gordon is not only a highly-acclaimed entertainer but he is also a committed music educator who currently serves as artist-in-residence at Augusta University in Augusta, Ga. His performance will be a real treat for both young and old alike.”
For tickets, call 304-293-SHOW (7469) or visit ticketmaster.com.
