MUSIC

The Tenth Annual Trinity Jazz Festival (January 28-30, 2011l) will feature Grammy-winning Latin flautist Nestor Torres and saxophonist Tia Fuller (pictured). Set in the acoustically marvelous sanctuary of the historic Trinity Church (1015 Holman at Main in Houston), the festival has drawn enthusiastic crowds throughout its musical history.

Tia Fuller, known for her brilliant work in backing Beyoncé, headlines on Friday night, preceded by the Prestige Award winning student ensemble, Waltrip High School Jazz Band, at 7 pm and the Erich Avinger Group, featuring violinist Ferenç Illenyi, at 8 pm. Saturday night features headliner Nestor Torres with opening performances by Prestige Award winning student ensemble, Giant Steps, at 7 pm and Seattle-based vocalist, Greta Matassa, at 8 pm.

The festival culminates on Sunday morning with two services of the annual Trinity Jazz Festival Jazz Mass 10:30 am and 12:30 pm. Each year the jazz mass highlights the works of an artist who has been a great influence in jazz. This year, the works of Johann Sebastian Bach, whose musical concepts inspired jazz composers since the inception of modern jazz, will be the springboard for the music of the mass. Produced and arranged by Paul English, the mass will feature jazz/baroque vocal octet Crystal Silence, the Trinity Jazz Septet, and the Trinity Choir.

The festival’s founder, Father William B. Miller, sees jazz—city music par excellence—as a vehicle for emphasizing both the historic Trinity Church’s urban setting and its commitment to artistic expression.

The first festival highlighted outstanding performances by Ellis Marsalis, the patriarch of the famed New Orleans jazz family, and Ed Calle, the popular Miami saxophonist. Subsequent festivals have featured such notable talents as the legendary sax player David “Fathead” Newman, trumpeter Marvin Stamm, Kirk Whalum, Bud Shank, Andre Hayward, Jason Marsalis, Delfeayo Marsalis, Suzi Stern, Barrie Lee hall Jr., Kyle Turner, David Liebman, Roseanna Vitro, Jason Moran and many great players from Houston and the surrounding region.

Full Festival Schedule:

Fri, Jan 28, 2011, 12 pm – 2 pm
MASTER CLASS/CLINIC
With Tia Fuller, Saxophone/Jazz Improvisation

Fri, Jan 28, 2011, 7 pm
Prestige Award Winning Student Ensemble: Waltrip High School Jazz Band
Trinity Church Fellowship Hall

Fri, Jan 28, 2011, 8 pm
TIA FULLER, saxophone
with Paul English, piano; Anthony Sapp, bass; Jerre Jackson, drums

Opening: ERICH AVINGER, guitar/flutes
with Andrew Lienhard, piano; Ferenç Illenyi, violin; Brennen Nase, bass

Sat, Jan 29, 2011; 12 pm – 2 pm
MASTER CLASS/CLINIC
with Nestor Torres, Flute/Latin Jazz

Sat, Jan 28, 2011; 7 pm
Prestige Award Winning Student Ensemble: Giant Steps
Trinity Church Fellowship Hall

Sat, Jan 29, 2011; 8 p.m.
NESTOR TORRES, flute
(Latin Grammy Award Winner)
with José-Miguel Yamal, piano; Anibal Ambert, bass; Andrew Lienhard, keyboard; Sharon Adame, percussion, Charlie Perez, drums

Opening:
GRETA MATASSA, jazz vocalist
with Horace Alexander Young, sax/flute; Paul English, piano;Clipper Anderson, bass; Tim Solook, drums

Sun, Jan 30, 2011, 10:30 am & 12:30 pm
ANNUAL JAZZ MASS
Celebrating the Jazz Works of the Greatest of All Time
Johann Sebastian Bach

Jazz. Timeless. Jazz

Rev. Hannah E. Atkins, Rector of Trinity Episcopal Church and Celebrant
Jazz/baroque vocal octet Crystal Silence
Trinity Jazz Septet
Trinity Choir
Produced and arranged by Paul English

Tickets for the Friday and Saturday concerts are available online through the festival website: www.trinityjazzfest.net. The Sunday mass is free and open to the public.

The Trinity Jazz Festival is funded in part by a grant from the City of Houston through the Houston Arts Alliance.