Monday, April 30, 2012

Naples Philharmonic Jazz Orchestra May Concert Announcement

The Naples Philharmonic Jazz Orchestra
Plays the Music of Duke Ellington

Philharmonic Center for the Arts
5833 Pelican Bay Boulevard
Naples, FL 34108-2740
(239) 597-1900 or
(800) 597-1900

May 10, 2012
Two Shows: 6:00 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.

The Naples Philharmonic Jazz Orchestra
Plays the Music of
Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn
Featuring violinist Glenn Basham

Glenn Basham (violin and harmonica)
Lew Del Gatto (tenor saxophone)
Dan Miller (trumpet)
Jerry Stawski (piano)
Mike Harvey (drums)
and Kevin Mauldin (bass)

Duke Ellington stands alongside Louis Armstrong as the most important figure in the history of jazz music. As a composer, pianist and bandleader for over fifty years (1924-1974) he was without peer. The Duke Ellington Orchestra had the perfect blend of blues and swing with Ellington's sophisticated arrangements showcasing the incredible masters who were featured in his band: Bubber Miley, Ben Webster, Jimmy Blanton, Johnny Hodges, Rex Stewart, Jimmy Hamilton, Cootie Williams, Paul Gonsalves, Clark Terry, Lawrence Brown and Harry Carney. Ellington is acknowledged as one of the greatest composers of the 20th century and just by looking at a small sampling of his work (many co-written with partner Billy Strayhorn) one sees jazz history unfold before him (Take the A Train, Black and Tan Fantasy, Mood Indigo, Satin Doll, Caravan, Don't Get Around Much Anymore, Do Nothing 'til You Hear From Me, In A Sentimental Mood, Sophisticated Lady, In A Mellotone).

Violinist Glenn Basham possesses a magnificent tone, dazzling technique and brilliant musicianship which allows him to create joyous, soaring improvisations. Glenn is a dynamic soloist who will bring his own highly personal artistry to his interpretation of Ellington's music. He has a B.M. degree from the North Carolina School of the Arts and an M.M. degree from Indiana University and is the concertmaster of the Naples Philharmonic Orchestra. He has been a member of the artist faculty at the Frost School of Music at the University of Miami since 1992.  He also serves as the first violinist in the Bergonzi String Quartet, which is the quartet-in-residence at the Frost School of Music. Basham, a native of Washington D.C., previously played with the Detroit Symphony under Antal Dorati and was a member of the Chester String Quartet.

UPCOMING PERFORMANCE

June 7, 2012
Two Shows: 6:00 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.

The Naples Philharmonic Jazz Orchestra
Plays the Music of Count Basie

Featuring saxophonist Lew Del Gatto

Glenn Basham (violin and harmonica)
Lew Del Gatto (tenor saxophone)
 Dan Miller (trumpet)
Jerry Stawski (piano)
Mike Harvey (drums)
and Paul Shewchuk (bass)

The Count Basie Orchestra was the most swinging band in the history of jazz. The band exemplified the 'Kansas City Sound': raw, energetic and blues-based. It was a unique combination of Basie's elegant piano style, exciting arrangements (One O'Clock Jump, Moten Swing, April In Paris) and a swinging rhythm section driving world class soloists. The tenor saxophone soloists who defined the Count Basie sound read like a history of the instrument: Lester Young, Herschel Evans, Chu Berry, Don Byas, Wardell Grey, Illinois Jacquet, Lucky Thompson, Paul Quinichette, Billy Mitchell, Lockjaw Davis, Frank Foster, Frank Wess and Jimmy Forrest.

Saxophonist Lew Del Gatto has a big, beautiful, warm sound and swinging style that places him firmly in the tradition of the great Basie tenor men. Lew has been a dynamic figure in the music scene for over 40 years. His versatility and knowledgeable comprehension of musical art-form was the basis for a stellar career. He has been involved with jingles, films, jazz and television. He was a saxophonist with the Saturday Night Live band from 1975-2005. He has recorded for such artists as Tony Bennett, Aretha Franklin, Quincy Jones, Harry Connick Jr and the Brecker Brothers. Lew has appeared with many giants in the music world, including Frank Sinatra, Ray Charles, Liza Minelli, Buddy Rich, Herbie Hancock, Phil Woods and the Thad Jones-Mel Lewis Orchestra.

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