U"nioersity of New ilanpsfiire

Cn/nl*uog on, J*nntintl Snoooo! Our OneHundred and Thirty SecondProgram 1998-1999 The hTernz Ycrrk Pe-str>ecti\ze Michael Abene & Dick Oatts Sponsoredby the Departmentof Music and the New Ilampshire Librarv of Traditional 8:00p.m. Monday, March 1,1999 JohnsonTheatre, Paul Creative Arts Center.Durham. NH THE ARTISTS

MIKEABENE&DICKOATTS

Most of uswho have immersed ourselves in whatwe believeto bethe mainstream of thejazz tradition,with its variouseddies and tributaries, may not be ableto definejust what we fully acceptas falling under that rubric, but to paraphrasea Supieme Court justice in "We referenceto an evenmore colorful realmof humanactivity, know it whenwe hearit." We maybe somewhatless thoughtful about the myriad ways in whichjazz techniquesand sensibilitiespenetrate othel aspectsof our musicalculture, the articulationof sucha level of detail beingof major concernonly to the kind of peoplewho are guilty of the infinite categorizationof theGrammy Awards. However, we mustrecognize that p]td.e iazz in anyof its dialectsrarely is self-sustaining,even in meropolitanareas, and those who would be true professionalshad best develop the comprehensiveness, flexibility, and resourcefulness which wouldallow theapplication of theirskills and values within a dive$ity of musicalcontexts, theterm "crossovet'' having come to meansomething other than a walkway.

. Althougheach was shaped in a differentmusical generation, Mike Abeneand Dick Oattstypify the artistic lifestyleswhich commandattention and respect in today'sNew York milie[. Mike anivedon thescene in theearly 60's with theMaynard Ferguson band for whomhe wascomposer/arranger aswell aspianist. He soonbranched out into themusic director'srole for vocalists,and ultimately into recordproduction where he was responsible "Digital "The for theGrammy winner Duke"(1987) and GRPAll-Star Big Band- All Blues"(1996). The range of his clientsand colleagues in oneor moreof his roleswould "Yellow providea virtualmusical Pages;"more than a few examples:singers Liza Minnelli, DianeSchuur, Joe Williams, and Charles Aznavour, big bandsMel I-ewis,, ,and the Carnegie Hall IazzBand,and unique personalities Dr. Billy Taylor, DaveGrusin, Chick Corea, and B. B. King.

Dick Oattsis a nativeIowan who got his startin Minneapolisand came to New York in 1977.Best know for his longmembership in theThad Jones/lvlel I-ewis Orchestra (and its successors),he alsohas had significant associations with BobBrookmeyer and Red Rodney, enhanced(among many others) Latin bandsled by Tito Puenteand , andrecorded extensivelywith thepop-oriented group Flim andthe BBs. His 1989recording with pianist GanyDiai waswell receivednot only for its musicalimagination and execution but also becauseof thedecision to use30 live stringplayers instead of electronicparaphemalia! -.--F.r,A1- ^t1 r- -t t- )-' ^--t .ta a / L --r*_'.- ---t- - -<-,- - \ \.\.--z<-F -- I TheNew York Persr)ective oDick Oatts Reeds oMike Abene Piano rJohn Lockwood Bass rBob Gullotti Drums

Despitethe iure of the so calledBig Apple, we areproud to repoft that not all Boston celebritiesfollow theexample of Bill Parcellsand Roger Clemens. John l,ockwood and Bob Gullotti possessintemational reputations but havechosen (thus far) to continueto graceNew Englandwith their distinguishedpresences, contributing to numerouswinning teams.

While performersof this levelof abilityand integrity still walk theplanet, we need not fear the millennium. Rejoice! TTIESERIES

The UNH Traditional Jazz Series began in 1979. It promotes the enjoyment and understanding of the art through concerts featuring musicians of regional, national, and international prominence. The program represents a unique endeavor to expand interest and honor outstandingtalent and achievement.

Musicians wishing to do so are encouraged to offer their recordings for sale or mail order during intermission; a brief announcement may be made. The sponsors have no financial interest in such salesbeyond offering a courtesy service to the artists and the public.

Ptogtam Notes -- PauI Verrette Production - Daoid Seiler

1998-1999SCTmDIILE

September14: NewBtack Eagle Jazz Band t October 19: DonnaByrne & Company

November 9: TrombonistAl Grey,Jane Jarvis, piano, & , trumpet

January25: ClarinetistBob Wilber

March 1: TheNew YorkPersp€ctive: Dick Oatts,reeds, Mike Abene,piano

April 5: Dick Hyman,piano

May 3: TheOriginal Satty Dogs (postponeduntil fall)

OTIIERSPECIAL JAZZ PERFORMANCESAND EVENTS

October 14: RebeccaParrk, John Bunch and Buckl Pizzselli with the SeacoastBig Band. Harry lones Memorial E&rcationFund. Concert, Portsmouth Music Hqll (603)436-6017 January 19: James lYilliams and the Inteflsiye Can Anit, Honoring Dr. Martin ltuher King, Jr. JohnsonTheatre, Paul CreativeArts Center,UNH March 21: Galn lauConceft: Dr. Chrk Terry and gaeststqith the UNH Jas Banil. JohnsotuTheatre,Paul CreativeArts Center,UNH