KU Jazz Ensembles perform music of Bjork, Radiohead and more at spring concert

The University of Kansas Jazz Ensembles 1, 2, and 3 will present a concert Wednesday, May 4, at the Lawrence Arts Center at 7:30 pm. The concert is free and open to the public.

The theme of this spring jazz concert is "New Standards," with almost all of the selections performed being re-interpretations of music by Bjork, Radiohead and Steely Dan. Arrangements and/or re-interpretations were written by Professor Dan Gailey, Steve Owen, Fred Sturm, James Miley, Matt Moresi, and KU student Steve Sharp.

"Jazz has traditionally drawn on popular music for material and inspiration," said Professor Gailey. "Over the past decade, we are seeing a reconnection to current popular music as inspiration for jazz re-interpretations; major jazz artists such as Herbie Hancock, Brad Mehldau, Chris Potter and The Bad Plus have all recorded and performed new versions of 'new standards'; by Bjork and Radiohead, along with Nirvana, Peter Gabriel and others."

Gailey adds, "With this in mind, we are dedicating our final big band concert of the year to performances of this music. It should be a fun and interesting evening that appeals to fans of both jazz and contemporary popular music."

For more information, contact the KU School of Music at 785-864-3436. Visit us at www.music.ku.edu.