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Jazz Articles about Western Michigan University

About Western Michigan University

Album Review

Western Michigan University Jazz Orchestra: Boogaloo Land

Read "Boogaloo Land" reviewed by Edward Blanco

by Edward Blanco
December 16, 2005

A three-time winner of Downbeat magazine's annual student music awards in the college big band category, the Western Michigan University Jazz Orchestra offers a riveting and exciting performance with its sixth impressive album. Due credit must be given to Trent Kynaston and Scott Cowan, who together have directed and produced a dynamic album of uncommon standards and originals. 32 student musicians participated in this endeavor, splitting the playing time on the eleven tracks. Also featured on this recording is the ...

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Album Review

The Western Michigan University Jazz Orchestra: Cosmosis

by Jack Bowers
January 1, 2002

No letdown here. The fifth album by one of the country’s most honored college–level Jazz ensembles, the Western Michigan University Jazz Orchestra, is as impressive as those that preceded it — and the first four (two of which received Grammy Award nominations) were outstanding. WMU establishes a swinging groove on Mike Abene’s explosive arrangement of Sonny Rollins’ “Oleo,” then romps earnestly through a colorful program that embodies radiant compositions by Tom Harrell, John Coltrane, Jay McShann, Mark Buselli and Dave ...