Jimmy Heath to perform at University of the Pacific September 24th

NEA Jazz Master saxophonist Jimmy Heath, the Open World Russian Jazz Delegation, the Brubeck Institute Jazz Sextet and the Pacific Jazz Ensemble will play a concert at University of the Pacific's Faye Spanos Concert Hall on September 24th starting at 7:30 PM. Celebrating the universal language of jazz, the concert will highlight the Open World Russian Jazz Delegation, a group of eight musicians who are in Stockton for two weeks experiencing American culture. They will be joined on stage by NEA Jazz Master, composer, educator and saxophonist Jimmy Heath, who will be on campus at the Brubeck Institute as a participant and mentor to the Open World Jazz Delegation, the Brubeck Fellows and Conservatory students.

As part of the University of the Pacific's Conservatory of Music concert series, the musical evening will feature small jazz combos and Pacific's Big Band, the Pacific Jazz Ensemble, led by Patrick Langham, Pacific's Director of Jazz Studies.

“It is an honor to have jazz master Jimmy Heath working with our students for this concert," says Langham. “Not only does he provide a historical perspective on the way the music should be performed, but he also contributes wonderful original compositions and arrangements."

Jimmy Heath, a legendary saxophonist who has had a wide and varied career, is no stranger to the big band concept: Early in his career Jimmy led his own big band in Philadelphia, whose sax section included both John Coltrane and Benny Golson. In 1949-50, Jimmy played with Dizzy Gillespie's big band. In addition to playing with Miles Davis (replacing John Coltrane for a period), Jimmy frequently teamed up with vibraphonist Milt Jackson and trumpeter Art Farmer. In the last quarter century, he and his brothers Percy and Albert ("Tootie") formed the Heath Brothers, and have recorded over ten albums together. He has made more than 100 recordings over the years, and has penned more than 125 original compositions, many of which have become jazz standards, including “Gingerbread Boy" and “C.T.A." As an educator, Heath has taught at Jazzmobile, Housatonic Community College and Queens College to name a few.

Tickets are $6 for the general public, $4 for seniors, and free to Pacific students and faculty. Call (209) 946-2UOP for ticket reservations. For concert information, call the Brubeck Institute hotline, (209) 946-3113. Tickets will be sold at the door, and seating is general admission. Faye Spanos Concert Hall is located at the corner of Pacific Avenue and Dave Brubeck Way, on Pacific's Stockton campus.