SEATTLE, WA. (www.emplive.com) - Jazz in January, the popular month-long tribute to jazz, is returning to
Experience Music Project (EMP) for its fifth annual series, EMP officials announced today.
The fifth annual Jazz in January, which begins Jan. 5 and runs through the end of the month, is highlighted by live performances from regional, national and international jazz artists. World-renowned jazz guitarist Larry Coryell and saxophonist Tom Scott headline the live performances. Coryell is recognized as one of the pioneers of jazz-rock. Scott has 12 GRAMMY nominations for his work as a musician, composer, arranger, producer and musical director.
Cloud Nine Music, an Ann Arbor-based septet, will also perform, featuring its brand of jazz-tinged hip-hop. This year's series includes Northwest artists Jason Parker Quartet and The Seattle Women's Jazz Orchestra featuring Greta Matassa. The Parker Quartet is the feature artist in the Family Jazz Concert.
"We are excited to be in the fifth anniversary of this popular series, said Bob Santelli, director of programs at EMP, a 21st century museum dedicated to the exploration of creativity and innovation in popular music. "Jazz is the quintessential American art form and we believe this educational series offers something for everyone, from the neophyte to the enthusiast.
In addition to the live performances, Jazz in January offers a rich curriculum of educational opportunities, including a master guitar class taught by Coryell. High school students have the opportunity to participate in a high school jazz combo workshop presented by EMP and the University of Washington's School of Music. There also will be an instructional series for aspiring artists in jazz guitar and jazz vocal.
Educational programming also includes an interactive jazz exploratory demonstration for elementary students with jazz musician and educator Jason Parker and a two-day High School Jazz Combo Workshop with two-time GRAMMY Award winner Tom Scott.
Returning for its second year, EMP's Vocal Jazz Festival invites vocal jazz groups from area colleges and high schools to perform at the daylong festival.
A jazz lecture series will explore iconic jazz artists such as Miles Davis, Duke Ellington, Weather Report and
John Coltrane through in-depth examinations of their milestone recordings. The lecture series also will feature an interactive presentation about the historical roots and branches of jazz.
