L

UNIVERSITYOF NEWHAMPSHIRE

OURTWELFTH PROGRAM THE REDNORVO TRIO

REDNORVO VIBRAHARP GUITAR STEVE]{OVOSEL BASS SPONSOREDBY MUSO, THEDEPARTMENT OF MUSIC, ANDTHE NEW HAMPSHIRE LIBRARYOF TRADITIONAL

8 PM MONDAY NOVEMBER30, Iq 9 I STRAFFORDROOM MEMORIALUNION DURHAM,NEW HAMPSHIRE T T o N A (ft r{ E

THE ARTISTS

As jazz traditions havedeveloped there havebeen a few unique instancesof one giftedindividual virtually making a particularidiom come ot ageand shapingits directionfor yearsahead. Examples would be LouisArmstrong's trumpet, Johnny Hodges'altosax, and BennyGoodman's clarinet, in thesecases each expanding the potentialof the instrumentalready considered to be in the mainstream. 's remarkablecontribution is that he took a familyof instrumentsusually associated with orchestralspecial effects or the noveltyaspects of vaudevilleand madethem into vehiclesof jazzexpression totally unanticipated previously; the xylophone,marimba, and vibraharptook on new dimensionsthat excitedclassical comoosers as well as jazz artists.

RedNorvo was born in Beardstown,lllinois, in 1908,and hasa listof performing credits and associationsthat almost comprisea jazz encyclopedia- Paul Whitman, MildredBailey, , , , ,,Jack Jenny, , and countlessothers. In 1950,Bed adopteda trio lormatfor his delicate,chamber-like sound. He wasjoined by the lateCharlie Mingueson bass,and guitaristTal Farlow,a discipleot CharlieChristian; Tal's own lyric style intluencedmany of the next generationol players. THE REDNORVO TRIO

The groupdisbanded in 1956,but aJtertwo decadesof requestswas reconstituted earlythis year, with youngand responsivebassist Steve Novosel. The reception accordedthe trio in NewYork was vividly described by WhiteyBalliett in "The New Yorker"when he wrote:"All Norvoneed do is matchthe standardof beautyhe establishedfor himselfforty years ago. And he does. Here are the ducking runs, the crystallinemelodic pools, the wing-like tremolos, the crowding, cheeky chords, the soothingmomentum. Norvo is one of theconsummate jazz improvisers. There was so muchgraceful music on openingnight - in Norvo'sand Farlow's contrapuntal excursions;in Norvo'skid-glove opening and closing choruses on "We'll.BeTogether Again,"both done ad liband a cappella;in hissoft sunrise solo on "Allof Me;"in his four-mallettigure behind Farlow on "TheJitterbug Waltz," a kindof shadowing groundfigure; and in Farlow'stleeing, smiling solo on thevery fast "Fascinating Rhythm."Brilliance sometimes blinds; Norvo Farlow, and Novosel light the way." Manyyears ago, Red used to tap danceas partof hispresentation, he surelywill not haveto tonight.

THEPBOGRAM Selectionswill be announcedby the performers. THE SERIES

The UNH TraditionalJazz Series, now in itsthird year, promotes the enjoymentand understandingol the art throughconcerts including musicians of regional,national, and internationalprominence. The programis basedon the lundamentalconvictions ihat thereare no age barriersin the performanceand appreciationof this idiom,and that its joyousnessand creativityare ever-renewable.Our combinedsponsorship unites students,Jaculty, and continuallydevoted enthusiasts in a unique endeavorto expand interest,and honor outstandingtalent and achievement.

February1 DaveWhltney Jazz Band llarch 8 DaYoMcKenna Aprll12 NewBlack Eagle Jazz Band

Many of our artistspresented in our seriesare availableonly on privaterecordings not readilytound in stores.For the benefitof the public,musicians wishing to do so are encouragedto offer their recordingsfor sale or mail otder, at the back ot the hall duringintermission. A briefannouncement may be made.The sponsorshave no financial interestin such sales beyond offering a courtesyservice to the artist and public.

Camerasand tape recordersare not permitted.Your cooperationis requested.Films or recordingsby the sponsorsare for the benefitof students,who may inquire about theiravailability at the DimondLibrary.

Program Notes - Paul Verrette

Production- DavidSeiler