Ennis Harris wins 2024 BMI Composer Award
Ennis Harris (MM ’22), a doctoral candidate in the USC Thornton Jazz Studies program, won the BMI Composer Award in a private ceremony held on May 15 in New York City. Harris was awarded for his piece Adarna (Concertino for Clarinet and Orchestra). Now in its 72nd year, the BMI Composer Award recognizes superior ability… Continue reading Ennis Harris wins 2024 BMI Composer Award
Gerald Clayton
A quintessential artist and role model for the next generation of jazz musicians, Gerald Clayton will share his extraordinary talents with USC Thornton students as a 2024-2025 Artist-in-Residence in Jazz. Six-time Grammy-nominated pianist, composer and band leader Gerald Clayton earned recent Recording Academy recognition for Happening: Live at the Village Vanguard, his debut release on Blue… Continue reading Gerald Clayton
Jason Goldman interviewed by Voyage LA
On March 25, Voyage LA published an interview with chair of USC Thornton’s Jazz Studies department, Jason Goldman, as part of the “Conversations” series. Goldman discussed the highlights of his career, like touring in Michael Bublé’s band and starting The G Note Podcast. “I am most proud of my family but if we are talking… Continue reading Jason Goldman interviewed by Voyage LA
Faculty and alumni perform on NPR’s Tiny Desk Concert
USC Thornton faculty and alumni performed on NPR’s Tiny Desk Concert in February. On Feb. 19, Composition program faculty member Camae Ayewa (Moor Mother) performed a Tiny Desk Concert with the free-jazz group, Irreversible Entanglements. She sang six tracks, including songs from the band’s new album, Protect Your Light. Watch the performance here. Jazz Studies… Continue reading Faculty and alumni perform on NPR’s Tiny Desk Concert
Gerald Clayton tours North America with The Blue Note Quintet
Pianist, composer and USC Thornton alumnus Gerald Clayton (’07) has embarked on a North American tour with The Blue Note Quintet—featuring saxophonist Immanuel Wilkins, vibraphonist Joel Ross, drummer Kendrick Scott and bassist Matt Brewer—in celebration of Blue Note Records’ 85th Anniversary. The tour includes 35 stops from January 18th to March 8th, with a Los… Continue reading Gerald Clayton tours North America with The Blue Note Quintet
Ludwig Göransson earns Academy Award nomination while USC Thornton alumni and faculty are featured in nominated films
Alumni and faculty from across the music departments and programs of USC Thornton were well represented in the 2024 Oscar nominations, announced on January 23. Ludwig Göransson (GCRT ’08) earned his third nomination in the Best Original Score category for Oppenheimer while composition alum Katya Richardson (’19) composed the score to Best Documentary Short nominee The Last Repair… Continue reading Ludwig Göransson earns Academy Award nomination while USC Thornton alumni and faculty are featured in nominated films
Ambrose Akinmusire releases debut Nonesuch Records album, Owl Song
Composer, trumpeter and USC Thornton Jazz Studies department alumnus Ambrose Akinmusire (MM ‘07) released his new album, Owl Song, with Nonesuch Records on Dec. 15. The album features a trio with guitarist Bill Frisell and drummer Herlin Riley. Hailed as “spellbinding,” Owl Song was on the New York Times’ list of Best Jazz Albums of… Continue reading Ambrose Akinmusire releases debut Nonesuch Records album, Owl Song
Alumni perform with Ms. Lauryn Hill and Fugees in Los Angeles
On Nov. 4-5, USC Thornton Jazz Studies alumnus Jordan DeTiege (’22) and Strings alumna Karoline Menezes (MM ’15, GCRT ’17) performed in The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill 25th Anniversary Tour with Ms. Lauryn Hill and the Fugees. DeTeige played saxophone as a member of the brass ensemble, The Regiment Horns, while Menezes played violin as… Continue reading Alumni perform with Ms. Lauryn Hill and Fugees in Los Angeles
Luciana Souza featured in November 2023 issue of DownBeat Magazine
USC Thornton Jazz Studies faculty member Luciana Souza was on the cover of DownBeat Magazine for their November 2023 issue. In this issue, the Brazil-born, Los Angeles-based jazz singer discussed her collaboration with the renowned Trio Corrente on her new album, Cometa. Photo courtesy of Luciana Souza.
Paul Cornish wins third place at Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz International Piano Competition
USC Thornton Jazz Studies alumnus Paul Cornish (‘18) won third place in the 2023 Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz International Piano Competition, which took place on October 15 at the Perelman Performing Arts Center in New York City. Cornish, a recent graduate of the Institute, earned a $10,000 cash prize as one of three finalists.… Continue reading Paul Cornish wins third place at Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz International Piano Competition