SFA jazz band concert to feature guest percussionist
October 6, 2009
NACOGDOCHES, TEXAS - The Stephen F. Austin State University College of Fine Arts and School of Music will present the Swingin' Axes and Swingin' Aces jazz bands in a joint concert at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 16, in W.M. Turner Auditorium on the SFA campus.
Under the direction of Deb Scott, SFA assistant professor of music, the Swingin' Aces will present a varied program that includes several arrangements by Sammy Nestico.
The Swingin' Axes program will include a "fun mix of blues, swing, '70s style jazz rock and Latin jazz," according to director Gary Wurtz, SFA associate professor of music.
Former SFA percussion instructor Chris Hanning, who is now associate professor of percussion at West Chester University, will be the guest artist on a "burning arrangement of Miles Davis' 'Milestones,'" Wurtz said. "Professor Hanning played this arrangement with the Swingin' Axes just before he moved to Pennsylvania 15 years ago, so this is really his 'return' as a guest artist with the band."
Hanning has performed on numerous recordings for NFL Films over the past eight years, including two Emmy Award-winning projects. His most recent recordings include sound tracks for "My Father's Gun" and "Blood from a Stone" (History Channel movies), and various selections for the closing ceremony of the 2006 Super Bowl.
He can also be heard on a compact disc with legendary saxophonist David Leibman and the Manhattan Saxophone Quartet titled "The Seasons Reflected" about which Wire Magazine wrote, ". . . drummer Hanning is magnificent."
Tickets for the Swingin' Axes and Swingin' Aces concert are $5 for adults, $4 for seniors and $2 for students. For tickets or more information, please visit www.sfasu.edu or call (936) 468-6407 or (888) 240-ARTS.