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UAB Jazz Ensemble

The UAB Jazz Ensemble is the official jazz ensemble of the Department of Music at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. The group has been directed by a number of well known professional musicians, including bassist Cleveland Eaton (1996-1998), pianist / vocalist Ray Reach (1998-2005) and drummer / percussionist Mark Lanter (former student of Ray Reach) (2005- 2007). In 2005, Ray Reach left UAB to accept the position of Director of Student Jazz Programs at the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame. Trumpeter Steve Roberts is the current UAB Jazz Ensemble director.

In 2005, the UAB Jazz Ensemble, under the direction of Ray Reach, was given the “College Band of Distinction” award (the top award) at the Annual Student Jazz Festival at the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame. UAB trumpeter / saxophonist Omari Thomas was chosen as the “Most Outstanding Soloist” at this festival two years in a row, 2004 and 2005.

RECORDING AND PERFORMANCE CREDITS

The UAB Jazz Ensemble presents concerts at UAB's Alys Stephens Center and at other local venues. The members of the UAB Jazz Ensemble are often given the opportunity to gain valuable experience in the UAB Recording Studio. This studio was founded by former UAB Department of Music Chair Henry Panion and is the birthplace of many professional quality recordings by UAB performing ensembles, such as the UAB Jazz Ensemble and the UAB Gospel Choir.

During Ray Reach's directorship at UAB, the Jazz Ensemble made it's debut recording. Featured on this recording are guest artists Ken Watters (trumpet) and Eric Essix (guitar). This CD features the classic “Cottontail” by Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn, along with original compositions by Ray Reach and Eric Essix.

In addition to the abovementioned musicians, the UAB Jazz Ensemble has also recorded and performed with other notable jazz artists such as trumpeter Lew Soloff and saxophonist Lou Marini. The ensemble's recordings have been praised for their professional quality and skill of execution.

THE UAB WEEKEND OF JAZZ

For a number of years, the UAB Department of Music was host for the ”Weekend of Jazz,” featuring visiting guest jazz clinicians such as trumpeter Lew Soloff, saxophonist Ernie Watts, saxophonist Lou Marini, and others.

NOTABLE ALUMNI

The UAB Jazz Ensemble has been a training ground for numerous notable alumni who are distinguished in the classical, jazz and R & B genre. Notable musicians who were members of the UAB Jazz Ensemble under the directorship of Ray Reach include:

Coleman Woodson, founding member Just A Few Cats, the band from whence American Idol Ruben Studdard emerged.

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