WWUH Joins Jazz Confederation and Hartt School for Duke Ellington Centennial Celebrations

"OTHER SIDES OF ELLINGTON" in WILDE AUDITORIUM
UNIVERSITY OF HARTFORD, 200 BLOOMFIELD AVE.
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 1999 at 7 PM

by Chuck Obuchowski

    In an historic undertaking, WWUH radio is collaborating with the Connecticut Jazz Confederation, Inc. (CJC) and The Hartt School’s African American Music Department to present two live concerts Sunday, November 21 at The University of Hartford, in celebration of the musical genius of Edward Kennedy "Duke" Ellington. The Maestro’s 100th birthday anniversary was commemorated this past April 29, and events in his honor have been presented throughout the world all year long.
    WWUH and the CJC are co-sponsoring Other Sides of Ellington at 7 PM on Nov. 21 at Wilde Auditorium, located in the Harry Jack Gray Center, which also houses the UH studios. Headlining the event will be the Joel Frahm-David Berkman Quartet, from New York City. Saxophonist Frahm, a 1988 graduate of West Hartford’s Hall High School, saw his debut CD as a leader, Sorry, No Decaf, issued by Palmetto Records earlier this year. It has received widespread critical and public acclaim, both for Frahm’s outstanding compositional skills and for the powerful playing demonstrated by all members of his quartet. The band includes pianist Berkman and drummer Matt Wilson, with whom Frahm has been touring and recording for two years.
    Berkman’s first recording, Handmade, released last year on Palmetto, featured trumpet giant Tom Harrell. This disc was also notable for its leader’s creative original compositions. In fact, The New York Times chose Handmade as one of its 10-best jazz recordings of 1998!
    Both Frahm and Berkman make significant contributions to The Other Side of Ellington, a newly-recorded tribute album just out on Palmetto, which features the two musicians along with many of their labelmates, performing unique arrangements of works from the pen of one of the 20th century’s most gifted composers (and bandleaders...and pianists...) Copies of The Other Side of Ellington will be available at Wilde Auditorium the night of the concert. For more information about this and other Palmetto CDs, call (800) PALM CDS or check out their website:www.palmetto-records.com.
    The Hartt School Advanced Jazz Ensemble, directed by recent grad Kris Allen, will open the program Nov. 21 at 7 PM with their own special Ellington homage. Allen will add his swinging alto sax playing to the band’s set. Earlier, at 4 PM, Millard Auditorium at the Hartt School (next door to the Gray Center) will play host to the renowned Hartt Jazz Orchestra, under the direction of Professor Steve Davis.
    Tickets for the WWUH/CJC presentation Other Sides of Ellington are available from the University of Hartford box office. Visit them at The University’s Lincoln Theater, or order by phone: 768-4228 or (800) 274-8587.

Copyright©WWUH: November/December Program Guide, 1999