Pianist to perform at Art Tatum Memorial Jazz Scholarship concert Feb. 20

February 16, 2017 | Arts, Events, UToday, Arts and Letters
By Angela Riddel



International jazz pianist Phil DeGreg will be the guest artist for the 2017 Art Tatum Memorial Jazz Scholarship Concert, which will take place Monday, Feb. 20, at 7 p.m. in the Center for Performing Arts Recital Hall.

DeGreg is an accomplished jazz pianist, comfortable in a wide range of styles, ranging from mainstream to bebop to Brazilian jazz. His versatility has led to professional performances with dozens of internationally recognized jazz artists — Woody Herman, Dave Liebman, Dizzy Gillespie and many others — as well as leading and recording with his own groups. He has released 11 recordings as a leader and has been recorded as a sideman on many other jazz projects.

DeGreg

His most recent disc, “Melodious Monk,” was recorded with trumpeter Kim Pensyl and features the music of Thelonius Monk. All About Jazz magazine wrote: “[DeGreg] exhibits an excellent understanding of the complex compositions, and the stride tradition from which Monk sprang … they succeed because they have an undeniable affection for Monk, and their performance is top-notch … Phil DeGreg’s masterful piano interprets Monk brilliantly, and Kim Pensyl’s trumpet is the perfect complement.”

A native of Cincinnati, DeGreg completed a degree in psychology from Yale University before becoming a professional musician. After three years working and studying music in Kansas City, he finished a master’s degree at the University of North Texas and subsequently toured the world for a year with Woody Herman’s Thundering Herd.

DeGreg has presented lectures and demonstrations to the International Association of Jazz Educators, the National Group Piano Teachers Association, the Ohio Music Educators Association, the Ohio Music Teachers Association and the Music Teachers National Association, and has published articles for Jazz Player Magazine.

The concert is presented by the UT Department of Music Jazz Studies Program. Proceeds from ticket sales support the Art Tatum Memorial Jazz Scholarship, which benefits minority students who want to study jazz at the University.

DeGreg also will present a free master class for students Monday, Feb. 20, at 2 p.m. in the Center for Performing Arts Recital Hall.

Advance concert tickets are $15 for general admission and $10 for UT faculty, staff, alumni students and seniors 60 and older. Visit utoledo.tix.com or call 419.530.ARTS (2787). Tickets also will be available at the door.

To support the Art Tatum Scholarship, click here and search “jazz.”

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