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March 3, 2008
The “A Train” Makes a Spring Stop at Texas Tech
The Duke Ellington Orchestra brings jazz to Presidential Lecture & Performance Series.
Written by John Davis
Today, the Duke Ellington Orchestra continues to bring the Big Band sound of jazz's early days to a new generation of listeners.
As part of the Presidential Lecture & Performance Series' spring season, the Duke Ellington Orchestra, directed by Ellington alumnus Barrie Lee Hall Jr., will perform at 8 p.m. March 29 in the Allen Theatre.
The Duke Ellington Orchestra, an integral link to jazz’s early days, will bring the music of Duke Ellington to new generations of music listeners, said Brad C. Leali, director of jazz studies at the School of Music. The concert is also part of Texas Tech’s Jazz and Blues Festival.
“In jazz today, there are two bands left that were extremely instrumental in developing the Big Band sound – the Count Basie Orchestra and the Duke Ellington Orchestra,” said Leali. “We brought Basie last year, and I thought, ‘what could be better than to bring Duke Ellington this year?’ This would be a good opportunity not only from the educational aspect, because musicians will be doing master classes with the students, but also, it will be a chance for people in the community who may not be familiar with Duke Ellington to see the dynamic of his band.”
Ellington, one of the 20th century's best-known jazz celebrities, recorded for many American record companies and appeared in several films. After World War II, Ellington and his orchestra toured the U.S. and Europe regularly. He led his band from 1923 until his death in 1974. His son, Mercer Ellington, took over the band until his death in 1996. Today the orchestra is led by Barrie Lee Hall Jr.
“The Presidential Lecture & Performance Series aims to bring the best speakers and performers in the world to Texas Tech,” said Mary Jane Hurst, organizer for the series and faculty assistant to the president. “Duke Ellington is in an elite class of musicians whose lasting significance transcends the artist’s own time and place. Today’s Duke Ellington Orchestra continues and expands the great tradition of this one-of-a-kind, legendary American artist. Thanks to the connections of our own great jazz musician, Brad Leali, we are fortunate to be able to present this world-famous musical group to our campus and community.”
Story produced by the Office of Communications and Marketing, (806) 742-2136.
Related
The Presidential Lecture & Performance Series enhances the academic and cultural experience of students, faculty and staff as well as the surrounding community by bringing leading scholars and artists to Lubbock.
Upcoming Presidential Lectures & Performances
April 9: National Phi Beta Kappa President, Dr. Allison Blakely
April 27: Santa Fe Opera Apprentice Singers
Ticket Information
Tickets are $10 for general admission plus a $2-$2.50 surcharge through Select-a-Seat. Call (806) 770-2000.
Texas Tech students may obtain free tickets upon presentation of a student ID at the Student Union Building ticket booth (two tickets per student ID).