UAB Jazz Ensemble
The UAB Jazz Ensemble is a student jazz orchestra sponsored by the Music Department of the University of Alabama at Birmingham. It has been led by a series of notable directors, including Cleveland Eaton (1996–1998), Ray Reach (1998–2005) and Mark Lanter (former student of Ray Reach) (2005–2007).
Awards
In 2005, under Ray Reach's direction, the UAB Jazz Ensemble was chosen as the "College Band of Distinction" (the top award) at the Annual Student Jazz Festival at the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame. The ensemble gives concerts at UAB's Alys Stephens Center and at local venues such as Ona's Music Room.
Performing and Recording Credits
The members of the UAB Jazz Ensemble are given the opportunity to gain valuable experience in the recording studio at the UAB Recording Studio. This studio, founded by former UAB Department of Music Chair Henry Panion, is the birthplace of many professional quality recordings by UAB performing ensembles including the UAB Jazz Ensemble and the UAB Gospel Choir. During former director Ray Reach's tenure at UAB, the Jazz Ensemble recorded an album of jazz orchestra arrangements. Featured on this recording are noted guest artists Ken Watters (trumpet) and Eric Essix (guitar). This CD, titled "UAB Jazz Ensemble, Volume 1," features the classic "Cottontail" by Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn and original compositions by Ray Reach. This CD is available from the UAB Department of Music.
The UAB Jazz Ensemble has recorded and performed with notable jazz artists such as Lou Marini, Lew Soloff, Ken Watters and Eric Essix. Their recordings are known for their professional quality and skill of execution.
The UAB Weekend of Jazz
For a number of years, the UAB Jazz Ensemble has hosted te "Weekend of Jazz," featuring visiting guest jazz clinicians such as Ernie Watts, Lou Marini, Lew Soloff and others.
Notable Alumni
Under the direction of Ray Reach, the UAB Jazz Ensemble was a training ground for a number of notable alumni who are distinguished in the classical, jazz and R & B genre, including:
- Coleman Woodson III, founding member Just A Few Cats, the band from whence American Idol Reuben Studdard emerged.
- Tim George - drummer for Just A Few Cats.
- Carla Stovall - Trombonist, Euphonium player, former cast member of the Broadway show Blast. Former principal trombonist for the Brooklyn Philharmonic. Now pursuing a DMA in trombone performance at the University of Alabama.
- Chad Fisher - Trombonist, arranger, composer, member of the Tuscaloosa Horns. Leader of the Chad Fisher Group, voted "Best Jazz Group" at the 2007 BAMA Awards. Currently on the music faculty of the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame.
- Abe Becker - Bassist (acoustic and electric), arranger, composer. Currently on the music faculty of the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame.
- Jay Frederick - New York City based jazz drummer / percussionist. Former drummer for Ken Watters and Cleveland Eaton.
External Links
- Cleveland Eaton official website
- Ray Reach at All About Jazz
- Mark Lanter bio at UAB Department of Music website
- Jay Frederick official website