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    A black & white photograph of Josh Nelson

    Josh Nelson

    November 16, 2022

    Pianist and composer Josh Nelson has been an active and creative artist for over twenty years. With ten albums as a leader, numerous other recordings, accolades and accomplishments, Nelson is one of the most in-demand pianists around. Recent projects with Brazilian legend Ivan Lins and superstar Michael Bublé are evidence that his piano and arranging… Continue reading Josh Nelson


    Ambrose Akinmusire in dark sweater with orange backdrop

    Ambrose Akinmusire to receive Jazz Innovator Award

    October 21, 2022

    Trumpeter, composer and USC Thornton Jazz Studies Department alumnus Ambrose Akinmusire (MM ’07) will receive the Jazz Innovator Award at the inaugural Jazz Music Awards on October 22. The Jazz Music Awards recognize and celebrate individuals who have made, and continue to make, a lasting contribution to jazz music.


    Photo of Gerald Clayton

    Gerald Clayton speaks about fostering the next generation of jazz

    October 10, 2022

    Six-time GRAMMY Award-nominated pianist, composer and USC Thornton alumnus Gerald Clayton (’07) was recently interviewed by Document Journal alongside Emmy Award winner Kris Bowers about the 65th annual Monterey Jazz Festival and all things jazz. Clayton is the director of this year’s Next Generation Jazz Orchestra so he shared what it’s been like working with… Continue reading Gerald Clayton speaks about fostering the next generation of jazz


    Photo of jazz group saje, wearing yellow uniforms holding flowers.

    säje releases first single from their debut album

    September 19, 2022

    GRAMMY-nominated female vocal supergroup säje, which includes USC Thornton Jazz Studies faculty member Sara Gazarek, released the first single from their upcoming debut album on September 12. The single is a cover of “As This Moment Slips Away” by The Bad Plus bassist Reid Anderson, and it features three-time GRAMMY-winning drummer Terri Lyne Carrington, saxophonist… Continue reading säje releases first single from their debut album


    Photo of "Live in Italy" album cover

    Trio of Jazz Studies faculty Peter Erskine, Alan Pasqua and Darek Oles releases album “Live in Italy”

    September 14, 2022

    The Peter Erskine Trio — composed of Erskine and his fellow Thornton Jazz Studies Department faculty members Darek Oles and Alan Pasqua — released the album “Live in Italy” on Fuzzy Records this May. The live album features ten tracks from the trio’s performance in Camogli, Italy. Renowned bassist John Patitucci commented, “It should come… Continue reading Trio of Jazz Studies faculty Peter Erskine, Alan Pasqua and Darek Oles releases album “Live in Italy”


    Photo of Eli Brueggemann smiling and wearing a hat.

    Thornton alumni garner 2022 Emmy nominations

    July 22, 2022

    Three USC Thornton alumni have been recognized with 2022 Emmy nominations. Music director and Thornton Jazz Studies Department alumnus Eli Brueggemann (MM ’03) was nominated for Outstanding Music Direction for his work on “Saturday Night Live.” Executive producer and Thornton Music Industry program alumnus Bobby Campbell (’08) received a nomination for Outstanding Variety Special (Pre-recorded)… Continue reading Thornton alumni garner 2022 Emmy nominations


    Photo of Peter Erskine laughing.

    Peter Erskine named to the Percussive Arts Society Hall of Fame

    July 6, 2022

    Thornton Jazz Studies faculty member and GRAMMY Award-winning drummer Peter Erskine was named to the Percussive Arts Society Hall of Fame this year. The Percussive Arts Society Hall of Fame was established in 1972 to recognize the contributions of the most highly regarded leaders in percussion performance, education, research, scholarship, administration, composition and the industry.


    Formal portrait of Ron McCurdy against light green backdrop

    Ron McCurdy appointed to the Association of European Conservatories’ Diversity, Inclusion and Gender Equality Working Group

    June 29, 2022

    Ron McCurdy, assistant dean of Thornton’s justice, equity, diversity and inclusion committee and a professor in the jazz studies department, has been appointed to the Association of European Conservatories’ Diversity, Inclusion and Gender Equality Working Group.


    Photo of Branden Brown holding a saxophone.

    Branden Brown premieres film score at Palm Springs International ShortFest

    June 13, 2022

    Thornton Jazz Studies Department alumnus Branden Brown (’21) will premiere his first original film score for What I Had to Leave Behind at the Academy Award and BAFTA-qualifying 28th Palm Springs International ShortFest in June. Brown’s score features instrumentalists and fellow Thornton alumni Ethan Chilton (’20, M.M. ’22), Cyrus Elia (’20) and Lauren Ellis (’21),… Continue reading Branden Brown premieres film score at Palm Springs International ShortFest


    Photo of Lauren Ellis performing behind a drum-set on stage.

    Lauren Ellis interviewed by Peter Erskine in Modern Drummer magazine

    June 9, 2022

    Jazz studies alumna Lauren Ellis (MM ’21) was interviewed by her former professor and mentor, Thornton Jazz Studies faculty member Peter Erskine, in the June 2022 issue of Modern Drummer magazine. Their discussion ranged from women in jazz music to perseverance in the music industry to embracing spontanety during performances.