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April 4, 2007

Contact: Jessica Moore, jkmoore@emory.edu, 404-727-1687

Jazz Pianists Kenny Barron and Gary Motley Perform with Emory Big Band April 24, 2007

Jazz pianist Kenny Barron’s unmatched ability to mesmerize audiences with his elegant playing, sensitive melodies and infectious rhythms is what inspired the Los Angeles Times to name him “one of the top jazz pianists in the world” and Jazz Weekly to call him “the most lyrical piano player of our time.” Now, Barron takes the stage with fellow jazz pianist, Atlanta’s own Gary Motley, and the Emory Big Band for a free evening of jazz at Emory University’s Schwartz Center for Performing Arts, Emerson Concert Hall, on April 24, 2007, at 8 p.m. On April 23, 2007, Barron will conduct a jazz piano masterclass from 2:30 – 3:45 p.m. and will also lead a jazz improvisation class on April 24, 2007, at 10 a.m. Both classes are in the Tharp Rehearsal Hall of the Schwartz Center and are free and open for public observation. For more information call the Arts at Emory Box Office at 404-727-5050 or visit the website at www.arts.emory.edu.

Philadelphia-born Kenny Barron, one of the undisputed masters of jazz piano, has been the pianist of choice for some of the greatest jazz musicians, including Stan Getz, Freddie Hubbard, Stanley Turrentine, Milt Jackson and Buddy Rich. He consistently wins the jazz critics and readers’ polls including those for Downbeat, Jazziz, and Jazz Times. Barron’s recordings for Verve Records have earned him five Grammy nominations for album and solo performance. Now in his 60s, whether he is playing solo, with his Trio, or with his newest ensemble, Brazilia (a quintet featuring some of Brazil’s greatest musicians), Kenny Barron is recognized the world over as a master of performance and composition. Kenny Barron appears at Emory as part of the Emory Coca-Cola Artist-in-Residence Series.

Pianist Gary Motley is the director of jazz studies at Emory and also the founding member of the Gary Motley Trio. Recognized by the National Endowment for the Arts, the Great American Jazz Piano Competition and the American Composers Forum, he has also been featured in Downbeat Magazine and on Piano Jazz with Marian McPartland. His recording credits include Russell Malone’s “Black Butterfly” and his own trio recording, “Keypers”. Recent performances include concerts with Michael Brecker, Joe Lovano, Jon Faddis, Kenny Garrett, Randy Brecker, Dave Brubeck, and the Vega String Quartet at Carnegie Hall. Gary received Creative Loafing Magazine’s 2003 Critics Choice Award for Best Local Jazz Pianist. An active member of the International Association for Jazz Education, Motley holds a bachelors degree in music from the University of Montevallo and a master’s degree in jazz studies from Georgia State University. Of Barron, Motley said: “Kenny Barron is one of the most versatile musicians in the industry today. I have admired his work for quite some time and am excited about having the opportunity to share the stage with him.”

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CALENDAR LISTING:
Kenny Barron and Gary Motley, jazz pianists, with the Emory Big Band
Tuesday, April 24, 2007, at 8 p.m.; free; Schwartz Center, Emerson Concert Hall
Jazz piano master Kenny Barron joins Gary Motley, piano, and the Emory Big Band for a night of jazz as part of the Emory Coca-Cola Artists-in-Residence Series.

Masterclass by Kenny Barron, jazz piano
Monday, April 23, 2007, 2:30-3:45 pm, Schwartz Center, Rehearsal Hall
Free, public welcome to observe.

Jazz Improvisation Class with Kenny Barron, jazz piano
Tuesday, April 24, 2007, from 10 a.m. until 11:15 a.m., Schwartz Center, Rehearsal Hall
Free, public welcome to observe.

EDITORS PLEASE NOTE: Photographs available upon request.

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