Tonight! Kirk Nurock, Miles Griffith, and the University of Virginia Jazz Ensemble

Composer/pianist Kirk Nurock, singer Miles Griffith, and the University of Virginia Jazz Ensemble will appear in concert, tonight, at 8, in the University's Old Cabell Hall.  It's going to be a heck of a gig.  Trust me -- I've heard the rehearsals.

Kirk Nurock rehearses one of his compositions, while Miles Griffith looks on, University of Virginia, 30 April 2010.  (All photos copyright John Edwin Mason, 2010.  Click directly on the images to see larger versions.)

The concert website uses the phrase "highly unpredictable adventures" to describe Nurock's music.  That seems about right to me, as long as you add that it's also playful and very, very beautiful.  He's been a part of the New York music scene for many years.  (Dizzy Gillespie and Leonard Bernstein are just two of the illustrious names on his resume.)

Miles Griffith, left, and jazz ensemble director John D'earth, right, in rehearsal, University of Virginia, 30 April 2010.

Miles Griffith is a bundle of impish energy.  His singing combines good humor and high wire risk-taking.  It's a wonderful combination and has lead him to work with T.S. Monk Septet, James Williams' ICU and Jack Walrath's Masters of Suspense, among other groups.

Miles Griffith, left, and jazz ensemble director John D'earth, right, in rehearsal, University of Virginia, 30 April 2010.

Besides leading the jazz ensemble, John D'earth will play a couple of numbers with with Nurock and Griffith during the concert.  (He's known Nurock since his days playing in New York's loft jazz scene in the '70s and '80s.)

Members of the University of Virginia Jazz Ensemble in rehearsal, 30 April 2010.

Nurock's music is challenging, to say the least.  The rhythms and harmonies are both complex and unexpected.

A member of the University of Virginia Jazz Ensemble in rehearsal, 30 April 2010.

Fortunately, this jazz band is open to music that takes them into new territory.

Members of the University of Virginia Jazz Ensemble in rehearsal, 30 April 2010.

If you want to play Nurock's music right, you'd better be paying attention.

A member of the University of Virginia Jazz Ensemble plays, while Kirk Nurock conducts, 30 April 2010.

This concert is not to be missed.  You can find more information, here.

Comments

[Gary Funston]

this is great John. I couldn't make it to the master class this time, so nice to see some pictures and commentary.

[Nick]

engaging rehearsal images; which give a feel of the passion and concentration required

[John Edwin Mason]

@Gary @Nick

Thanks for the comments, gents. The concert turned out as I'd hoped -- absolutely terrific.