Simon Hwang sets Cleopatra’s life to music
Simon Hwang, a double major in Jazz Studies at USC Thornton and Business Administration at USC Dornsife, took an unconventional approach to his final project for a general education course, foregoing a traditional term paper to create two new jazz compositions based on the life of Cleopatra. His cross-disciplinary project was recently highlighted in a… Continue reading Simon Hwang sets Cleopatra’s life to music
Billy Childs discusses upcoming album in JazzTimes interview
USC Thornton alum and GRAMMY Award-nominated artist Billy Childs (BM ’79) is set to release a new album on Aug. 28, and reflects on its influences in a recent JazzTimes interview. Childs reminisces on the artists and projects that have inspired his music, such as his time playing at World Stage, a historic art and… Continue reading Billy Childs discusses upcoming album in JazzTimes interview
Sara Gazarek interviewed for LondonJazz News
Jazz Studies faculty member Sara Gazarek was recently interviewed for LondonJazz News. In the interview, Gazarek answers questions about her current influences, her new vocal quartet, säje, and how she has felt as a musician during the pandemic. “Honestly, right now feels incredibly important,” she says. “Not just for me, but for the world –… Continue reading Sara Gazarek interviewed for LondonJazz News
USC Thornton faculty and alumni nominated for Emmy Awards
USC Thornton faculty and alumni were nominated in the 72nd Emmy Awards, announced on July 28. Laura Karpman, a faculty member in the celebrated Screen Scoring program, received two nominations for her work on the Discovery Channel’s “Why We Hate.” Karpman was nominated in the categories of Outstanding Original Main Title Theme Music and Outstanding… Continue reading USC Thornton faculty and alumni nominated for Emmy Awards
New archival recording released featuring Roy McCurdy in legendary quintet
A new album of live concert recordings from the 1960s by saxophonist Cannonball Adderly and his quintet, featuring Jazz Studies faculty member Roy McCurdy on drums, was digitized and released for the first time. Swingin’ in Seattle: Live at the Penthouse (1966-1967) was released by Cellar Music Group imprint Reel to Real to share and… Continue reading New archival recording released featuring Roy McCurdy in legendary quintet
Renée Elise Goldsberry interviewed in LA Times
Tony Award-winning Jazz Studies alum Renée Elise Goldsberry (MM ’97) was interviewed in the LA Times about her role as Angelica Schuyler in the hit musical Hamilton after the film version of the musical was recently released on Disney+. Goldsberry, who was also nominated for a GRAMMY in addition to her Tony win, talks about… Continue reading Renée Elise Goldsberry interviewed in LA Times
Gerald Clayton signs with Blue Note Records, new live album to release in July
Four-time GRAMMY Award nominee and USC Thornton alum Gerald Clayton (BM ’07) signed with Blue Note Records earlier this year, and will release his first album with the label, Happening: Live at the Village Vanguard, on July 10. The album was recorded live at the Village Vanguard in New York City with a quintet of… Continue reading Gerald Clayton signs with Blue Note Records, new live album to release in July
Daedelus releases new album What Wands Won’t Break
Jazz Studies alum Alfred Darlington (BA ’00), known professionally as Daedelus, has released a new album from record label Dome of Doom. Titled What Wands Won’t Break, the album follows the electronic music artist’s 2019 release, The Bittereinders, and continues his streak of producing an album every year. What Wands Won’t Break draws influence from… Continue reading Daedelus releases new album What Wands Won’t Break
Ambrose Akinmusire to release new album from Blue Note Records
USC Thornton Jazz Studies alum Ambrose Akinmusire (MM ’07) releases his sixth album, on the tender spot of every calloused moment, on Friday, June 12 from Blue Note Records. The album’s 11 new original compositions are met with warm reviews from NPR Music and PostGenre. In a recent preview, NPR Music traces the album and… Continue reading Ambrose Akinmusire to release new album from Blue Note Records
Bob Mintzer to release Blue Soul collaboration on Strikezone Records this June
Blue Soul, a collaborative album featuring Jazz Studies faculty member Bob Mintzer, is soon to release on June 5 on Strikezone Records. The album is a collaboration with guitarist Dave Stryker, with saxophonist and arranger Mintzer leading the WDR Big Band, a Germany-based ensemble for which he is director and conductor. “Bob is one of… Continue reading Bob Mintzer to release Blue Soul collaboration on Strikezone Records this June