KJRO, Hepcats Reunite for CD Release Celebration
Media Contacts:
- , (859) 257-1754, x229
- , (859) 257-1754, x229
LEXINGTON, Ky. (April 18, 2009) − The Hepcats invite the public to put on their dancing
shoes for a Big Band Swing Dance featuring the music of the Kentucky Jazz Repertory Orchestra (KJRO)
beginning 8:30 p.m. Saturday, April 25, at the University of Kentucky Student Center Grand
Ballroom.
This festive occasion is a unique opportunity for the public to experience the masterpieces of the great Big Bands, including music from artists Jimmie Lunceford, Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Benny Goodman, Lionel Hampton, Glenn Miller, Harlan Leonard and Artie Shaw. Among the evening's festivities, the Rhythm Cats swing dance performance group will also be featured.
The evening will begin at 7:30 p.m. with a free swing dance lesson. The dance will follow at 8:30 p.m. and run until midnight, and will include complementary snacks and refreshments.
The Kentucky Jazz Repertory Orchestra (KJRO), co-directed by UK School of Music professors Dick Domek and Miles Osland, consists of accomplished Kentucky jazz musicians, including UK faculty and alumni, as well as musicians from other Kentucky area colleges and universities. The KJRO are talented musical artists whose mission is to recreate and preserve beautifully composed authentic swing-era arrangements.
This event will showcase KJRO in a special performance of music from their newest album "Flying Home," specially made with swing dancers in mind.
Domek, professor of music theory, transcribed many of the tracks on the CD, which includes songs like Duke Ellington's "Jive Stomp," Count Basie's "Doggin' Around," and the song the CD was named after, Benny Goodman's "Flying Home."
Domek says, "This album was made for regular listeners of jazz and especially for the swing dancers."
Accurately transcribing each individual song is a skill that requires a keen ear and extensive knowledge of jazz performance practice. "I learn a terrific amount when I transcribe. It's like a composition session with them as they stand over my shoulder," notes Domek.
A year in the making, "Flying Home," is a document of the past, when the influence of African American musicians transformed and perfected the Big Band sound. "I'm Benny Goodman and Artie Shaw when I'm playing this music," said Osland.
Osland believes an important part of music preservation is its documentation. In "Flying Home," the music of great African American musicians is not only preserved, but their art is commemorated and appreciated as well.
"Every CD I make is a documentation of the music of that era," he adds. "Every CD is like a new baby; a capsule of where I am or where I was at."
Tickets for the event are $14 each and can be purchased at the door. Purchase tickets in advance on the Hepcats Web site or contact Mike Richardson at (859) 420-2426 or by email.
This festive occasion is a unique opportunity for the public to experience the masterpieces of the great Big Bands, including music from artists Jimmie Lunceford, Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Benny Goodman, Lionel Hampton, Glenn Miller, Harlan Leonard and Artie Shaw. Among the evening's festivities, the Rhythm Cats swing dance performance group will also be featured.
The evening will begin at 7:30 p.m. with a free swing dance lesson. The dance will follow at 8:30 p.m. and run until midnight, and will include complementary snacks and refreshments.
The Kentucky Jazz Repertory Orchestra (KJRO), co-directed by UK School of Music professors Dick Domek and Miles Osland, consists of accomplished Kentucky jazz musicians, including UK faculty and alumni, as well as musicians from other Kentucky area colleges and universities. The KJRO are talented musical artists whose mission is to recreate and preserve beautifully composed authentic swing-era arrangements.
This event will showcase KJRO in a special performance of music from their newest album "Flying Home," specially made with swing dancers in mind.
Domek, professor of music theory, transcribed many of the tracks on the CD, which includes songs like Duke Ellington's "Jive Stomp," Count Basie's "Doggin' Around," and the song the CD was named after, Benny Goodman's "Flying Home."
Domek says, "This album was made for regular listeners of jazz and especially for the swing dancers."
Accurately transcribing each individual song is a skill that requires a keen ear and extensive knowledge of jazz performance practice. "I learn a terrific amount when I transcribe. It's like a composition session with them as they stand over my shoulder," notes Domek.
A year in the making, "Flying Home," is a document of the past, when the influence of African American musicians transformed and perfected the Big Band sound. "I'm Benny Goodman and Artie Shaw when I'm playing this music," said Osland.
Osland believes an important part of music preservation is its documentation. In "Flying Home," the music of great African American musicians is not only preserved, but their art is commemorated and appreciated as well.
"Every CD I make is a documentation of the music of that era," he adds. "Every CD is like a new baby; a capsule of where I am or where I was at."
Tickets for the event are $14 each and can be purchased at the door. Purchase tickets in advance on the Hepcats Web site or contact Mike Richardson at (859) 420-2426 or by email.