Jazz Small Ensembles

Monday, January 22, 2024 at 7:30pm CST

McClintock Choral and Recital Room

Joe Clark and Darius Hampton, conductors

Trumpeter, vocalist, bandleader, and composer John Birks “Dizzy” Gillespie was a leading figure in the development of the bebop subgenre, recognized for his unique combination of musicianship, showmanship, and wit. His compositions “Groovin’ High,” “Woody ‘n’ You,” “Salt Peanuts,” and “A Night in Tunisia” marked a dramatic shift from the swing music popular at the time, paving the way for a new path in the jazz genre. Gillespie taught and influenced numerous other musicians, among them Clifford Brown. “Brownie,” as he was affectionately known, quickly made a name for himself as a leading voice on the trumpet in the bands of Tadd Dameron, Art Blakey, Lionel Hampton, J. J. Johnson, and Max Roach. With Roach, Brown formed the Clifford Brown/Max Roach quintet, in which he completed arguably his most important creative work as a trumpeter and composer. His life was tragically cut short by a car accident in 1956, but his legacy continues to live on. The Joe Clark and Darius Hampton ensembles celebrate the lives and legacies of Brown and Gillespie.

Tickets are $6 for the general public and $4 for students with valid ID.