The Joy Of Jazz

Concert series returns with new crop of world-class musicians

There are a handful of living jazz greats, those whose name alone - Wynton Marsalis, Herbie Hancock, Joshua Redman - generate a sense of familiarity.

And then there are those who may be the next great thing.

Robert Ginsburg enjoys finding those in the latter of the two groups. While he allows the Walton Arts Center to book the big-name jazz shows, Ginsburg books the lineup for the annual KUAF Summer Jazz series, which kicks off this year with a Saturday evening performance by the Aaron Goldberg Trio.

“What we’re dedicated to is kind of a more exciting goal,” he says. “I’m personally more excited to hear someone who is obscure who is playing at the same level.”

The series again features three performances, the same number as it did in last year’s season, the 13th annual.

Ginsburg says the length and scope of the season is reliant on the availability of the Walton Arts Center’s Starr Theater, which has served as home to the jazz center for the last few years and will do so again this summer.

The event starts Saturday with a performance by the Aaron Goldberg Trio, which includes Goldberg on piano, bassist Matt Penman and drummer Gregory Hutchinson.

Each of the members are master players, Ginsburg says, but part of the strength of the trio is its ability to be subtle and avoid endless soloing.

“It’s a high level of skills, but it’s not about virtuosity and pyrotechnics,” Ginsburg says.

The second show isthe return of a popular program, although this year’s edition features a twist.

The Composer’s Showcase has previously featured the original compositions of the area’s best jazz musicians in a variety show format. This year, only one composer will be spotlighted - James Greeson, a University of Arkansas music professor and guitarist.

Greeson’s compositions have been featured at many national events and earned him an Emmy Award for the score of the film “The Buffalo Flows.” Just as importantly, he’s worked with much of the local jazz community.

“He has influenced so many local jazz musicians,” Ginsburg says.

Several local groups, such as the Claudia Burson Trio and the Fayetteville Jazz Collective, will perform tunesby Greeson.

The final of the three shows features Vic Juris. The guitarist has performed with musicians such as Mel Torme and Dizzy Gillespie during his distinguished career.

A longtime teacher, with positions at Lehigh University and the New School for Jazz and Contemporary Music on his resume, Juris will also offer one-on-one instruction for local jazz musiciansduring his stay, Ginsburg says.

All proceeds raised through the concert series go toward the North Arkansas Jazz Society’s scholarship program, which benefits students studying jazz.

Whats Up, Pages 18 on 06/29/2012

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