Murphy Arts District announced An Evening With Jazz Masters on Sept. 20 at the Griffin Restaurant.
The show begins at 7:30 p.m. with doors opening at 5 p.m.
The phrase “Jazz Masters” evokes the idea of accomplished and veteran musicians who have earned the esteem of discerning audiences as well as fellow musicians in the presentation of this original American art form called Jazz. Rooted in the Modern Jazz (Modal or Cool Jazz) styles of Miles Davis, John Coltrane, and Cannonball Adderley, as well the Jazz Fusion styles of Grover Washington, Jr. and others, they bring authenticity and emotional charge to performances of the straight-ahead Jazz Standards. At the same time, in their original compositions and arrangements, they build on Modern Jazz traditions with their own aesthetic influenced by Latin, Afro-Pop and Funk, among others. And, of course all infused with the Blues and mostly always “swingin.”
Although there is no “official” list of the small circle of esteemed Philadelphia Jazz Masters, there is no debate that it includes the names, Lynn Riley, Rubin Edwards, Harry “Butch” Reed, and Adam Faulk.
“This particular rendition of straight ahead Modern Jazz Standards along with original compositions informed by such roots, is an area that we haven’t seen in El Dorado recently, and of which many El Dorado music fans have told me they are eager to see,’ said Michael Donnella, co-sponsor of the concert. “So now, it will be here! The Jazz Masters are familiar to traditionalists around the world, while bringing us forward in the ever-emerging experience of the timeless beauty of American music. If there is such a thing as simultaneously relaxing, energizing and enriching the heart, mind and soul; being present for this music performed live is it! The Jazz Masters are both “comfort food” for Modern Jazz traditionalists and an accessible introduction to World Music innovation.”
The Performers
• Lynn Riley is a saxophonist and flautist, also known as the Superwoman of Saxophone. She is the leader of Lynn Riley & the World Mix, hails from Philadelphia via Honolulu, Kansas City, and Washington, DC. In addition to being an educator and composer, she has played with every Jazz great one can name. Not only having played with the great Grover Washington Jr., she is also one of less than a handful of musicians who have been allowed to perform using the actual saxophone that Mr. Washington performed with.
• Rubin Edwards is a bassist and music director of Lynn Riley & the World Mix, and from Philadelphia. He is also a producer writer and arranger. With a background in classical and Jazz music, he has taught at Drexel University and performed around the world with the most accomplished artists in music and theater.
• Harry “Butch” Reed from Philadelphia, is a drummer, is one of the most in-demand Jazz drummers on the East Coast. He, too, has played with every Jazz great one can name, and performs and records under his own name.
• Adam Faulk, pianist, is from West Medford, Massachusetts, and the newest member of The World Mix. He is a fixture of the global music scene as an educator, composer and pianist. From his touring with the Greater Boston Youth Symphony Orchestra and the Oberlin Conservatory of Music to his more recent co-creation of “Toque de Vida” (A Touch of Life) to educate and inspire at-risk youth from Brazil’s favelas, Adam has continued his commitment to this art form.
Tickets will be available to MAD members on Monday and to the public on Wednesday. The prices increase on the day of the show. Tickets may be purchased online at www.eldomad.com, by phone at the MAD box office 870-444-3007 or in person at 101 East Locust Street, El Dorado, AR. For more details visit www.eldomad.com.