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”
Alex Hahn
Alex Hahn is a Grammy Award-winning saxophonist and composer based in Los Angeles, California. Still early in his career, Hahn has had the opportunity to perform with many renowned artists such as Herbie Hancock, Esperanza Spalding, the Grammy Award-winning John Daversa Progressive Big Band, Bob Mintzer, Gordon Goodwin’s Big Phat Band, Peter Erskine, John Beasley,… Continue reading Alex Hahn
Louis Cole featured on NPR
USC Thornton Jazz Studies alumnus Louis Cole (’09) was featured on NPR’s “All Things Considered” where he discussed his new orchestral album, nothing. Cole recently performed original choral music for the first time for a 40-person choir in the First Congregational Church of Los Angeles. nothing also taps into new musical territory for Cole, who… Continue reading Louis Cole featured on NPR
Marisa Rawlins-Bradfield appointed as music director of vocal jazz at Santa Monica College
Marisa Rawlins-Bradfield, a current Doctor of Musical Arts student in the USC Thornton Choral & Sacred Music program, was appointed as music director of vocal jazz at Santa Monica College. She will begin her new role this fall while continuing to teach at Providence High School and direct the San Fernando Valley Youth Chorus. ***… Continue reading Marisa Rawlins-Bradfield appointed as music director of vocal jazz at Santa Monica College
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 2025-2026 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