College of Fine Arts and Design

January 16, 2013

The UCO Jazz Lab will honor jazz legend Stan Kenton with a pair of tribute concerts at 8 p.m. Jan. 24 and 25, featuring the Edmond Jazz Orchestra conducted by former Stan Kenton Orchestra member, Joel Kaye.  The performances will take place at the Jazz Lab located at 100 E. Fifth St. in Edmond.          

A pianist, composer and arranger, Stan Kenton was innovative and influential in expanding the big band sound with his two-time Grammy Award-winning 23-piece orchestra.  Kenton is known for creating the famous “Kenton Sound,” which features parts for a mellophone section and bass saxophone in his compositions.          

Since playing in the Stan Kenton Orchestra in the 1960s, Joel Kaye has started the New York Neophonic Orchestra and the Neophonic Jazz Orchestra in Denver, Colo.  Additionally, Kaye has performed as a guest conductor for the Los Angeles Jazz Institute and will be a UCO Jazz Studies Division guest artist for two weeks this semester.          

“Joel Kaye has dedicated a lot of his career to continuing the traditions of the concert jazz orchestra pioneered by Stan Kenton,” said Brian Gorrell, head of the UCO Jazz Studies Division.          

This concerts will not only offer different musical compositions each night, but both performances will be recorded live for an upcoming album comprised of never-before-recorded arrangements written for the Stan Kenton Orchestra.          

“UCO’s Jazz Studies Division is a very good program, and the Edmond Jazz Orchestra is a talented jazz band, experienced with the unique 23-piece orchestra style Kenton created,” said Kaye.          

The Edmond Jazz Orchestra, now in its 15th year, is a professional jazz ensemble comprised of UCO Jazz Studies Division faculty, alumni, and graduate students.          

“I am excited to work with the Edmond Jazz Orchestra on these performances and recordings.  The group is a great fit for this project,” Kaye said.          

Tickets for each of the performances are $15 and can be purchased at the door.  Reservations are recommended and can be made in advance by calling the ticket office at 405-359-7989.

For a complete listing of UCO Jazz Lab events and performances, visit www.ucojazzlab.com.