Press Release - 3/2/07

March 01, 2007

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

"We Always Swing" Jazz Series hosts
Conrad Herwig & Brian Lynch's "Latin Side Of..." Project
Grammy-nominated 7-piece ensemble offers FREE MASTER CLASS and PERFORMANCE
THURSDAY, MARCH 8 at THE BLUE NOTE
Repertoire celebrates 80th birth year of Miles Davis & John Coltrane.

Columbia, MO – The 2007-2008 "We Always Swing" Jazz Series continues THURDAY, MARCH 8 at the Blue Note with one of the country's most-acclaimed ensemble, "LATIN SIDE OF..." PROJECT presented by Grammy-nominated trombonist Conrad Herwig and recent Latin Jazz Grammy-winning trumpeter Brian Lynch. The group will offer an afternoon Latin jazz master class, from 4 p.m.-5:15 and an evening concert with doors at 7 p.m. The master class is FREE and open to all music students as well the community. Tickets for the evening concert are available at all Ticketmaster outlets including the Jazz Series Box Office (573/449-3001) and The Blue Note (573/874-1944). Tickets may also be purchased on line (www.ticketmaster.com). Student and group ticket discounts are also available.

"I wasn't here when they performed as part of the Jazz Series three years ago," said Greg Aker, the project's assistant director and a trained saxophonist who arrived last May, "but I've seen them elsewhere – and they're great, and a lot of fun. The way they interpret and arrange the music of two of jazz's most significant figures – Miles (Davis) and John Coltrane – is something special. What I especially like about that band is that people who are just beginning to enjoy jazz love the group and people who are knowl-edgeable about jazz think their musicianship is phenomenal – which it is." Aker noted that the all-star band is loaded with talent. For instance, he said, in addition to Herwig and Lynch, baritone saxophonist and flutist Mario Rivera, the veteran of Tito Puente's bands who was featured in the film Calle 54, is part of the group.

Born in 1959, New York-based trombonist Conrad Herwig has now recorded 17 albums as a leader with his latest effort, Sketches of Spain y Mas (Half-Note), which features trumpeter Brian Lynch and special guests alto saxophonist Paquito D'Rivera, who served as the Jazz Series' NEA Jazz Master last November, and noted flutist Dave Valentin. The recording, which captured the band live in New York, arrived just two months ago and, not surprising, is receiving critical to critical raves.

Herwig began his professional career in 1980 landing an assignment with the Clark Terry Big Band; he later joined the Buddy Rich Orchestra for tours of the United States and Europe. After locating permanently in New York, he drew the attention of Slide Hampton, the bebop master trombonist and arranger who had created and was leading his Slide Hampton's World of Trombones.

A master educator, Herwig has given and continues to give mater classes, seminars and workshops at major universities and conservatories all around the world. In fact, his work in the field led Rutgers University to offer him a full-time faculty position three years ago where he is professor of jazz studies and oversees some 60 students. The trombonist is a recipient of performance and teaching grants from the NEA. Herwig has also been on the Board of Directors of the International Trombone Association. One of the most in-demand jazz educators, Conrad Herwig is a Selmer clinician and performs exclusively on Bach Stradivarius trombones. This is Herwig's fourth visit to Columbia dating to 1987; he also served as a Jazz Series "Artist-in-Residence" in 1997 spending a week in the public schools.

Few musicians embody the 21st century credo as profoundly as the 48-year-old trumpet master. A respected insider within both the hardcore bebop and Latin communities – and as of February 11, 2007, a Grammy winner for his Sympatico (Artist Share), Brian Lynch is as comfortable negotiating the complexities of clavé with Afro-Caribbean pioneer Eddie Palmieri as swinging through advanced harmony with bebop maestro Phil Woods.

The dynamic Lynch has worked in recent years with Buena Vista Social Club alumnus Barbarito Torres, dance remixer Joe Clausell and the members of the influential Latin alternative group Yerba Buena. He arranges for Japanese pop star Mika Nakashima and producer Shinichi Osawa, has written string charts for NEA JazzMaster Phil Woods, and has played with such pop luminaries as Maxwell, Prince and Sheila E.

Lynch holds faculty positions at New York University and the North Netherlands Conservatory and has taught at the Stanford Jazz Workshop. This is Lynch's third appearance in Columbia, second as a featured member of the "Latin Side Of..." Project.

The "Latin Side Of..." Project's master class and performance is made possible in part with funding through Mid-America Arts Alliance's Regional Touring Program and the National Endowment for the Arts; the Missouri Arts Council, a state agency; and the City of Columbia's Office of Cultural Affairs. Additional event-specific sponsors include: MU's Vice Provost for International Programs and Strategic Initiatives and Midwest Environmental Consultants. The "We Always Swing" Jazz Series is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation whose mission is to: present, preserve, promote and celebrate the great American art form known as "Jazz."

Band Personnel for Columbia Performance/Master Class:
     Conrad Herwig, Trombone; Brian Lynch, Trumpet; Mario Rivera, Baritone Saxophone/Flute; Bill O'Connell, Piano; Ruben Rodriguez, Bass; Robby Ameen, Drums; Paoli Mejias, Congas/Percussion/Vocals

For further information and to learn more about the "Latin Side Of..." Project please visit:
www.wealwaysswing.org

General Contact/Band Interviews:
     Greg Aker, Assistant Director/Education Coordinator
     "We Always Swing" Jazz Series
     218 N. Eighth Street
     Columbia, MO 65201
     573-449-3009
     (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

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