Central Michigan University

CMU jazz profs get 'Caught in the Act' on new disc

Monday, November 12, 2007

Topics in this story: Arts and entertainment, Arts and events, College of Communication and Fine Arts, People, School of Music, University news

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Media Contact(s):

Lindsay Allen
989-774-7327

Program Contact(s):

John Nichol
989-774-3848

Rob Smith
989-774-1046

The title of their first compact disc might raise a few eyebrows, but members of Central Michigan University's Faculty Jazz Ensemble don't mind.

"Caught in the Act," the group's recent release on the CMU School of Music's White Pine Music recording label, lives up to its name, as it was recorded during a single, four-hour session in May and has a "live quality" that can only come from the collaborative recording of a group as opposed to recording each instrument individually, said saxophonist John Nichol.

All eight "Caught in the Act" tunes were penned by ensemble member and CMU Director of Jazz Studies Rob Smith and were created specifically for the project. Smith also plays trumpet and flugelhorn on the disc.

"We enjoy the leadership provided by Rob Smith and wanted to feature his compositions, which are of the highest quality," Nichol said, noting that the ensemble "may be one of the biggest hidden treasures in the region; we're a happening faculty jazz group."

The ensemble's other members are Robert Lindahl, trombone; Jeff Kressler, piano; Ed Fedewa, bass; and Andrew Spencer, drums.

To date, scheduling conflicts have prevented the ensemble from hosting an official CD release celebration concert; however, such an event is scheduled for 8 p.m. Feb. 14 in the Music Building's Staples Family Concert Hall as part of the annual Phi Mu Alpha Jazz Weekend at CMU.

"Caught in the Act" was funded by a Faculty Research and Creative Endeavors grant, an internal award from CMU's Office of Research and Sponsored Programs.

For more information regarding the White Pine label or to order "Caught in the Act" or other titles, visit http://www.whitepinemusic.com or call 989-774-2045. The CD also can be purchased from Internet retailer Amazon.com or downloaded via Apple's iTunes online store.

Additional information regarding CMU's Phi Mu Alpha Jazz Weekend can be found online at http://www.mus.cmich.edu/jazz%20weekend.htm.

CMU jazz faculty and student performers also can be seen regularly during "The Jazz Project" jam sessions from 4 to 6 p.m. Fridays at Grace Church, 218 S. Main St. in downtown Mount Pleasant. The public is welcome to attend, as well as to participate. For more information, call Nichol at 989-774-1269.