MUSIC

The University of Houston Moores School of Music presents The 13th Annual Moores School of Music Jazz Festival, February 25 & 26, 2011, featuring trombonist Andy Martin (pictured).

Be prepared for full weekend of jazz excitement featuring regional junior high and high schools, the Texas Music Festival Jazz Project, free clinics and Andy Martin’s performance with the MSM Jazz Orchestra. That’s a lot to take in, so make your plans now!

A world-class jazz musician, Andy Martin has released eight albums as either leader or co-leader. These albums showcase his dazzling improvisation alongside other top jazz artists such as the late Carl Fontana, Pete Christlieb, Bobby Shew, and Eric Marienthal. He has also collaborated as a sideman with jazz greats such as Stanley Turrentine and Horace Silver. Additionally, he is well-known for his work as a lead player, and featured soloist, with virtually every big band in Los Angeles. Most notably Gordon Goodwin’s Big Phat Band, the Bill Holman Big Band, and Tom Kubis’ band. He has also appeared in bands led by Jack Sheldon, Louis Bellson, Quincy Jones, Matt Cattingub and Bob Curnow, among others.

Andy has long been one of L.A.’s first call trombonists for commercial recordings, television and motion pictures, and live theater. He has contributed on albums for many popular artists, including the Pussycat Dolls, Coldplay, and Michael Buble. His television credits include every major awards show and he has also appeared regularly on the soundtracks of hit TV shows such as American Idol, Dancing with the Stars, Family Guy, American Dad and King of the Hill. Andy’s motion picture credits include the soundtracks of over 75 major films. Andy is also first call trombonist at Hollywood’s Pantages Theater, where he has played for Broadway hits like The Producers, The Lion King, Wicked and Hairspray.

Coming from a musical family, Martin launched his career while still in his teens. His technique and virtuosity quickly established him on the L.A. music scene, and since that time he has become one of the most in-demand trombonists across the country and around the world. His sparkling bebop lines and consummate musicianship make him equally at home on the stage or in the studio, and he maintains a busy schedule in L.A. as a recording artist, sideman and section player. He also appears at many colleges and universities throughout the country as a guest artist and clinician.

The broad range of his career is a credit to his exceptional talent. He counts among his influences the trombone greats Frank Rosolino and Carl Fontana, as well as saxophonist Michael Brecker and trumpeter Clifford Brown, and he has incorporated these different elements into a personal style that is a balance of accuracy and spontaneity, discipline and creativity. He covers the whole range of the instrument with the same warm tone and impeccable articulation, and is equally adept in all styles, with a vocabulary of ideas that never grows stale. His exciting improvisations and melodic fluidity showcase a level of technique hardly matched among trombonists.

Schedule of Performances:

Friday, February 25
9am – 12pm Middle & high school bands perform for judges
12 – 1pm FREE Clinic and performance by Andy Martin
1 – 5:30pm Middle & high school bands perform for judges
7:30pm Performance by the Texas Music Festival Jazz Project, a big band featuring professionals from all over Texas

Saturday, February 26
9am – 12pm Middle & high school bands perform for judges
12 – 1pm FREE Clinic and performance by Andy Martin
1 – 5:30pm Middle & high school bands perform for judges
7:30pm Performance by the MSM Jazz Orchestra, featuring Andy Martin

All events are in the Moores Opera House.

A history of the MSM Jazz Festival - The annual Moores School of Music Jazz Festival invites middle school and high school jazz ensembles to perform in the Moores Opera House for a panel of distinguished jazz artists. Our festival is organized according to IAJE guidelines and will include a private clinic/commentary session by one member of the panel. Although this festival is not competitive, it includes a trophy system that will single out top performances by individuals and groups.

The festival trophy list includes:

• * 50 All-Star Trophies (25 given each day to outstanding performers)
• * Outstanding Soloist of the Day
• * Outstanding Soloist of the Festival
• * Outstanding Middle School Ensemble of the Day
• * Outstanding High School Ensemble of the Day
• * Outstanding Middle School Ensemble of the Festival
• * Outstanding High School Ensemble of the Festival
• * Outstanding Ensemble of the Festival