Jazz icon to celebrate birthday with concert

September 14, 2009 | Arts, UToday
By Angela Riddel



Hendricks

Hendricks

Jazz legend and UT Distinguished Professor of Jazz Studies Jon Hendricks will celebrate his 88th birthday with a bash, Monday, Sept. 14 at Murphy’s Place, located at 151 Water St. in Toledo.

There will be shows at 8:30 p.m. and 10:30 p.m.

The concert is special for another reason: Hendricks recently was added to the Jazz Wall of Fame of the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publisher (ASCAP).

This summer, he was among seven jazz greats to be recognized by ASCAP. Other living legends added were Annie Ross, Johnny Mandel and Randy Weston. Receiving the honor posthumously were John Coltrane, Tito Puente and Dave Lambert. Hendricks and Ross performed together at the event.

In 1957, the jazz vocal group Lambert, Hendricks and Ross was formed. The trio refined vocalese, whereby lyrics are set to recorded jazz instrumental standards and voices are arranged to sing the parts of instruments. Jazz vocalists Al Jarreau, Bobby McFerrin and the Manhattan Transfer all cite the group’s work as a major influence.

At Murphy’s Place, Hendricks will perform with the UT Faculty Jazz Group, which features Gunnar Mossblad, saxophone; Jay Weik, guitar; Tim Whalen, piano; Norm Damschroder, bass; and Jonathan Ovalle, drums.

Tickets are $5 for students and seniors, $10 for general public and $20 for preferred seating. Proceeds after expenses will benefit the UT Jazz Studies Program.

Visit the UT Department of Music here or call 419.530.2448.

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