Donald Vega released new single, “Two Words: Bud Powell”
Grammy-nominated pianist and USC Thornton alumnus Donald Vega (’99) released his latest single, “Two Words: Bud Powell.” Featuring John Patitucci and Lewis Nash, this track is one of the unreleased compositions from his acclaimed 2023 album, As I Travel. The single is inspired by Vega’s admiration for Powell’s artistry and influence on Vega’s musical journey.… Continue reading Donald Vega released new single, “Two Words: Bud Powell”
Gerald Clayton performs in Hollywood Bowl’s “WE ❤️ LA” concert
Pianist, composer and USC Thornton Artist-in-Residence Gerald Clayton (’07) performed at the “WE ❤️ LA” concert at the Hollywood Bowl on April 1. Clayton played piano with the Los Angeles Philharmonic for George Gershwin’s “I Got Rhythm.” Featuring Christina Aguilera, Los Angeles Master Chorale and Palisades Charter High School Band, this free concert honored wildfire… Continue reading Gerald Clayton performs in Hollywood Bowl’s “WE ❤️ LA” concert
Clarence Penn Featured in Mix Magazine
USC Thornton Jazz Studies faculty member Clarence Penn was featured in Mix Magazine as a member of the American Patchwork Quartet (APQ). Formed in 2019, the group is comprised of vocalist Falguni Shah, guitarist/producer Clay Ross, drummer/percussionist/associate producer Clarence Penn, and acoustic and electric bassist Yasushi Nakamura. In the article, they shared their origin story… Continue reading Clarence Penn Featured in Mix Magazine
Paul Cornish signs with Blue Note Records
USC Thornton Jazz Studies alumnus Paul Cornish (‘18) has signed with Blue Note Records and will release his debut album this summer. The Los Angeles-based pianist and composer performed in the NYC Winter Jazzfest’s Brooklyn Marathon on Jan. 11. “Blue Note Records has meant a lot, not only to me, but also my hometown of… Continue reading Paul Cornish signs with Blue Note Records
Ambrose Akinmusire announces new album, honey from a winter stone
Composer, trumpeter and USC Thornton Jazz Studies department alumnus Ambrose Akinmusire (MM ‘07) announced his new album, honey from a winter stone, will be released via Nonesuch Records on Jan. 17. The album features improvisational vocalist KOKAYI, pianist Sam Harris, Chiquitamagic on synthesizer, drummer Justin Brown and Mivos Quartet. The opening track, “muffled screams,” is… Continue reading Ambrose Akinmusire announces new album, honey from a winter stone
Renée Elise Goldsberry to star in “All In: A Broadway Comedy About Love”
Tony Winner and Jazz Studies alum Renée Elise Goldsberry (MM ’97) will star in All In: A Broadway Comedy About Love, premiering Dec. 11 at the Hudson Theatre in New York. Written by Simon Rich and directed by Alex Timbers, All In is a series of hilarious stories about dating, heartbreak and marriage. The production… Continue reading Renée Elise Goldsberry to star in “All In: A Broadway Comedy About Love”
Jazz Studies musicians featured on Michael Bublé’s greatest hits album
USC Thornton Jazz Studies musicians were featured on Michael Bublé’s new greatest hits album, The Best of Bublé, released Sept. 27. Chair of the department, Jason Goldman, produced and arranged Bublé’s song “Quizas, Quizas, Quizas.” Several faculty and alumni performed on the recording, including guitarist Adam del Monte, trombonist Lemar Guillary, saxophonist Alex Hahn (MM… Continue reading Jazz Studies musicians featured on Michael Bublé’s greatest hits album
Ennis Harris wins first prize in ASMAC Van Alexander Arranging Competition
Ennis Harris (MM ’22), a doctoral candidate in the USC Thornton Jazz Studies program, won first prize in the American Society of Music Arrangers and Composers (ASMAC) Van Alexander Arranging Competition with his piece, The Lake. The annual competition draws students of music composition and arranging who are under 30 years old. Winners received cash… Continue reading Ennis Harris wins first prize in ASMAC Van Alexander Arranging Competition
Bob Reynolds
“My favorite improvisers, regardless of genre, share a talent for spontaneously composing melodies with strong narrative arcs.” says Los Angeles-based saxophonist, composer, and educator Bob Reynolds. “That’s the ideal that’s always inspired my pursuit of this craft.” A three-time Grammy winner with the innovative instrumental collective Snarky Puppy, Reynolds has carved out a unique space… Continue reading Bob Reynolds
Tigran Hamasyan releases new album, “The Bird of a Thousand Voices”
Tigran Hamasyan, a jazz pianist and USC Thornton non-degreed alumnus, released his new album The Bird of a Thousand Voices on August 30. The work is inspired by an ancient Armenian folktale, “Hazaran Blbul – Հազարան Բլբուլ,” which is about the search for world harmony through self-discovery, sacrifice and rebirth. “This story tells me that,… Continue reading Tigran Hamasyan releases new album, “The Bird of a Thousand Voices”