The Magnificent Seven
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Thumpasaurus & the USC Thornton Jazz Orchestra
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Drumming and jazz events honor the memory of Leon “Ndugu” Chancler
In September, world-renowned drummer and USC Thornton faculty member Leon “Ndugu” Chancler, who passed away last Spring, was honored at the 37th annual Watts Towers Day of the Drum Festival at the Watts Towers Arts Center. The day-long event featured a taiko drumming ensemble, percussion artists of all styles, members of the Locke High School… Continue reading Drumming and jazz events honor the memory of Leon “Ndugu” Chancler
Alum John Storie records with Jeff Goldblum jazz orchestra
Guitarist and USC Thornton alumnus John Storie (BM ’06, Studio Guitar) is featured on the forthcoming album, Jeff Goldblum and the Mildred Snitzer Orchestra, which will be released November 9th. The 14-track album by the well-known actor and part-time jazz pianist Goldblum, includes appearances by Haley Reinhart, Till Bronner, Imelda May, and comedian Sarah Silverman.… Continue reading Alum John Storie records with Jeff Goldblum jazz orchestra
Sara Gazarek featured on Jazz Session podcast
The Jazz Session podcast recently featured an interview with jazz vocalist and USC Thornton faculty member Sara Gazarek, previewing tracks from her forthcoming album. Gazarek discussed her role as a performer, writer, arranger and band leader, as well as how she finds “the courage to bare her soul through her music.” Gazarek will perform with… Continue reading Sara Gazarek featured on Jazz Session podcast
The Yellowjackets to release new album
The Los Angeles-based jazz quartet, the Yellowjackets, will release a new album on September 14th. The group, which includes three USC Thornton faculty – saxophonist Bob Mintzer, keyboardist Russell Ferrante, and drummer Will Kennedy – along with bassist Dane Alderson, has recorded close to 30 albums, been nominated for 17 GRAMMY Awards, and has been… Continue reading The Yellowjackets to release new album
Will Kennedy
Will Kennedy is a drummer whose musicality and finesse are legendary in the jazz world and beyond, performing with luminaries such as Herbie Hancock, Chaka Khan, Snarky Puppy, Bobby McFerrin, Esperanza Spalding, George Benson, and Lee Ritenour. His career is marked by pushing musical boundaries and a desire to be inspired yet be an inspiration.… Continue reading Will Kennedy
Daniel Weidlein to release new jazz album
Composer, saxophonist, and producer Daniel Weidlein (BM ’12), a USC Thornton Jazz Studies alumnus, will release his debut album, Fire in the Sky, on June 22nd. A preview single, The Red Line Suite, is now available for purchase. Weidlein will present a special album release concert at the Blue Whale in Los Angeles on June… Continue reading Daniel Weidlein to release new jazz album
Daedelus releases new album
Electronic musician and USC Thornton Jazz Studies alumnus Alfred Darlington (’00), known professionally as Daedelus, has released his 19th studio album, Taut, and will embark on a European and American tour through the end of July. The Barcelona Sónar Festival recently asked the artist to compose a 10-second, interstellar audio track to communicate with a… Continue reading Daedelus releases new album
Jazz alumna Hiroe Sekine tops songwriting competition
Jazz pianist and USC Thornton alumna Hiroe Sekine (BM ’09) recently won First Place in the jazz category of the International Songwriting Competition (ISC) for the song “Nippon Barre” from her 2017 album, One World One Sun. The album, produced by Jazz Studies faculty member Russell Ferrante, blends traditional Japanese instrumentation with jazz styles and… Continue reading Jazz alumna Hiroe Sekine tops songwriting competition