October 22 Fall Jazz Showcase to Feature Trumpeter Lester Walker, JSU Talent

10/21/2014

Jacksonville State University Jazz will present the annual Fall Jazz Showcase featuring guest artist trumpeter Lester Walker along with JSU's ensembles on Wednesday October 22 at 7:30 p.m. in the Mason Hall Performance Center on the JSU campus.

One of the most diversely skilled artists on today's music scene, Lester Walker combines blazing classical technique with a traditional jazz style recalling the names of Miles Davis, Clifford Brown and Freddie Hubbard. He has performed with many giants of music including Michael Brecker, Geri Allen, Bela Fleck, Jennifer Holliday, Gerald Levert, Edwin McCain, The Cab Calloway Orchestra, The Nelson Riddle Orchestra, The O'Jays and The Temptations.  He has appeared as a featured artist at numerous jazz  and music festivals throughout the United States including the Atlanta Jazz Festival, The JVC Jazz Festival, The Seagrams Jazz Festival, Music Midtown, The San Antonio Jazz Festival, The Spoleto Festival and City Stages. As a performing artist, Walker has presented concerts at premier concert halls and performance venues throughout North America.  He is also one of a select few jazz musicians to be allowed to perform in concert at world renowned Spivey Hall. He has received numerous awards for outstanding performance in competitions sponsored by Seagrams Gin, Coca-Cola, Disney Entertainment Networks, Absolut Vodka and Wurlitzer Musical Instruments. As an ongoing representative for promoting the highest standards of American musical artists, not only has Walker been commissioned an Honorary Lieutenant Colonel Aide-de-Camp by the Governor of Alabama but he has been sponsored by the US State Department on a concert tour of Central America.

Also in concert at the Fall Jazz Showcase will be these JSU groups: Latin Combo, directed by Dr. Andy Nevala and Dr. Thomas MuCutchen; Enghauser Combos II and II, directed by Chris Enghauser; Nevala/Nelson Combos I and II, directed by Nevala and Zach Nelson; Jazz Ensembles I, II, III, III+IV and IV, directed by Nevala and assisted by Nelson, Jarrett Irish and Tom Burnett. 

Jazz fans are sure to enjoy the selections in this program including such perennial favorites as Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn's "Satin Doll," Glenn Miller's "Tuxedo Junction," Hoagy Carmichael's "Georgia On My Mind," and Perez Prado's "Cherry Pink and Apple Blossom White," to name a few. 

Admission to the Fall Jazz Showcase is free and the program is open to the public.