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Traditional Jazz Orchestra performs Thursday
GREENCASTLE -- Fans of traditional style New Orleans hot music are in for a treat Thursday, as the Traditional Jazz Orchestra will perform from 9 to 11 p.m. in the Fluttering Duck Lounge.
This event is free of charge, and members of the Greencastle community are encouraged to attend.
The TJO plays hot music from the early 20th century when jazz was young -- the music of King Oliver, Louis Armstrong, Jelly Roll Morton, Fats Waller and other popular composers from the period. Hot music has an inherent sadness, as well as joy and hope, embedded within its unique sound.
This music was produced from a deep human response to the social climate of our country during this extraordinary time in America's growth.
TJO has performed extensively for the past two years. The musicians are all close friends who have performed together for many years.
The group has developed a wonderful sense of one another, as well as an exceptional feel for the freedom and raw emotion of this music. The instrumentation for this group includes clarinet, cornet, trombone, banjo, and tuba.
Morgan Powell, trombonist and composer is professor emeritus at the University of Illinois U-C. He also taught at Berklee College of Music and North Texas University. He is internationally known for his commissions, publications, awards and recordings of his works, some of which can be found online at www.morganpowellmusic.com/tjo.php
Jeff Helgesen has been an active performer for more than 30 years. He began playing trumpet professionally at the age of 15.
He later studied at the University of Illinois. In 1987, Helgesen accepted a position as a featured soloist with the Ray Charles Orchestra, with whom he recorded and toured internationally until late 1990.
Randy Salman is no stranger to the Greencastle community. He is a regular fixture in the music scene and is a professor of music at DePauw University.
Salman has performed in numerous jazz and classical venues throughout the United States and abroad. Some of his many performances include working with Tony Bennett, Clark Terry and Kurt Elling.
He is also a member of the Smithsonian Institute Jazz Masterworks Orchestra.
Michael Miller has played guitar and tenor banjo in traditional jazz bands since the mid 1970s. He has performed with the Memphis Nighthawks, the Chicago Hot Six, the Wrigley Field Band and the Jack Webb Jazz Band. He has also performed at the St. Louis River Boat Festival, The Chicago Jazz Festival and the Bix Beiderbecke Jazz Festival.
Dan Anderson, bassist and tuba player, teaches at DePaul University and The University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee. He performs with The Chicago Brass Quintet, The Milwaukee and Chicago Symphony Orchestras, Von Freeman Jazz Quintet and leads his own Latin jazz ensemble, Basso Nouveau.
For more information and audio clips, visit the groups Facebook page at www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/pages/Traditional-Jazz-Orchestra/124922340880558?re....