Music lovers of all persuasions can enjoy a special video presentation of jazz trombonist Wycliffe Gordon as the famed musician caps off a two-day remote residency with a virtual performance through the eighth annual MSU Federal Credit Union Jazz Artist in Residence Program.
Gordon’s performance is free to the public at 8 p.m., Friday, Feb. 19 on the MSU College of Music Livestream Channel. The virtuoso trombonist will solo and perform virtually with MSU Jazz Orchestras — three big bands from the MSU College of Music who play the repertoire of the great jazz masters and a range of soul, swing, blues and gospel.
Groups and individuals can also partake in Gordon’s two-day residency Feb. 3–4 through webinars and discussions that feature streamed performances, video conferencing and interactive virtual workshops. The remote sessions are tailored for different audiences that include MSU Jazz Studies students, high school students, students at the MSU Community Music Schools in East Lansing and Detroit and the general public.
Gordon is the fourth guest in the lineup of working musicians, educators and composers conducting multi-day residencies focused on jazz music and performance through the MSU College of Music. MSU Associate Professor of Jazz Trombone Michael Dease praised Gordon’s mastery, and said his residency is emblematic of the jazz tradition of experienced artists mentoring and passing on insights to aspiring musicians.
“Wycliffe is a dedicated and inspirational educator on top of being a living legend of jazz trombone,” said Dease. “It’s an amazing opportunity for students to learn from a renowned working musician and to hear what it’s like to work with some of the greatest musicians on the scene today. As one of his former students, I’m especially excited to see his presence at the College of Music.”
The 10-time “Trombonist of the Year” by the Jazz Journalist Association, Gordon has many top honors to his name. Among those is the “Louie Award” which honors Gordon’s dedication and commitment to the music of Louis Armstrong. Leader of his own quintet, Gordon tours regularly, headlining at legendary jazz venues and performing arts centers throughout the world. A persuasive and committed music educator, Gordon serves as Artist in Residence at Augusta University in Augusta, Georgia.
The MSUFCU Jazz Artist in Residence series is made possible through an endowment from the MSU Federal Credit Union. Since 2013, the program has attracted high-level talent and serves as a model for jazz studies programs nationwide. All combined, the residencies of the 29 artists to-date included workshops, concerts, events and outreach to more than 37,000 students and adults at non-profit organizations, middle and high schools and communities across Michigan.
Gordon is part of a dynamic line-up of MSUFCU Jazz Artists in Residence currently scheduled for the 2020–21 season. He was preceded by bassist Marion Hayden in November, guitarist David Stryker in December and will be followed by saxophonist Charles McPherson in March. The series kicked-off in September with jazz trumpeter Terell Stafford. Performances and activities are taking place virtually, mirroring MSU’s switch to remote learning during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Patrons and donors who have enjoyed the talents of faculty, students and visiting artists are encouraged to show their support of music during this challenging time. Please consider donating what you would have spent for season tickets or to attend a concert by clicking here to submit your secure online gift go.msu.edu/give-music.
For more information about donating or sponsoring events this winter and spring, email music.giving@msu.edu or call the College of Music Advancement Office at 517-353-9872.