A professor of saxophone and jazz studies has been preparing for a recital, which will be held this evening in Glidden Hall.
Professor Matthew James will be performing at 7:30 tonight in Glidden Recital Hall. Throughout the duration of the year, professors from the School of Music put on recitals to showcase their talents and to introduce the Athens community to diverse forms of music. Many music professors attend these events; however, everyone is encouraged to come and they are open to the general public.
This will be James’ first recital of the year.
Although he teaches jazz courses in the School of Music, James is also a classical saxophonist.
He will employ his classical training for the first three songs of the recital, after which he will perform four more pieces.
For the second half of the performance, James will team up with fellow faculty members and a few of his former students.
John Horne, Guy Remonko, Allyn Reilly and Alison Sincoffare are just a few of the featured professors who will play alongside James. Andre Gribou will also play piano during the event.
One of the most interesting pieces of the recital will be “Bluesaxe,” James said.
“It is a walk through the evolution of saxophone in jazz,” James said. “‘Bluesaxe’ will be one of the most challenging pieces of the night.”
In the past, James has played for Phil Collins Big Band, the Cleveland Jazz Orchestra, The Temptations, Lou Rawls and the Ohio Valley Symphony, among others.
In addition to holding recitals and concerts at Ohio University, James also travels around the region performing at different colleges and special events.
“I travel at least once a week,” James said.
On a good week, however, he might perform three or four times, James said.
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