Acclaimed Pianist Aaron Diehl Performs with The University of Scranton Jazz Band
Pianist Aaron Diehl will perform with The University of Scranton Jazz Band on Sunday, Nov. 1, at 7:30 p.m. in the University’s Houlihan McLean Center. Admission is free and the concert is open to the public.
Renowned young piano virtuoso Aaron Diehl will join The University of Scranton Jazz Ensemble as their guest soloist for a concert at 7:30 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 1, in the University’s Houlihan McLean Center. Admission is free and the concert is open to the public. Doors open at 6:40 p.m. Seating is on a first-come, first-seated basis.
Diehl is one of the most sought after jazz virtuosos, playing with what The New York Times describes as “melodic precision, harmonic erudition, and elegant restraint.” His meticulously thought-out performances, collaborations and compositions are a leading force in today’s generation of jazz contemporaries, spearheading a distinct union of traditional and fresh artistry.
Diehl’s latest album on Mack Avenue Records, “Space, Time, Continuum,”emphasizes the artistic collaborations between generations, and includes performances by NEA Jazz Master Benny Golson (tenor saxophone) and Duke Ellington Orchestra alumnus Joe Temperley (baritone saxophone), alongside Diehl’s trio. The majority of the album consists of his original compositions, with the title track co-written by Grammy nominated jazz singer Cécile McLorin Salvant.
Diehl’s 2014-2015 season highlights include serving as music director for the Jazz at Lincoln Center’s “New Orleans Songbook” concert series, performing in the premiere of Philip Glass’ complete Etudes, collaborating with Spanish flamenco guitarist Dani De Morón in Flamenco Meets Jazz, and touring with Cécile McLorin Salvant.
Diehl is the 2014 Monterey Jazz Festival Commission Artist, the 2013 recipient of the Jazz Journalists Associations Award for Up-And-Coming Artist and the 2012 Prix du Jazz Classique recipient for his album “Live at the Players” from the Académie du Jazz. He is also the winner of the 2011 Cole Porter Fellowship from the American Pianists Association.
The University of Scranton Jazz Band is a 25-member ensemble of big band style instrumentation, made up of University student musicians from majors spanning the curriculum. They perform five or more times per year, and the majority of their performances are open to the public, free of admission charge, and often feature a nationally or internationally renowned guest soloist.
For additional information regarding this event, contact Cheryl Y. Boga, director of Performance Music, at music@scranton.edu, call 570-941-7624 or visit www.scranton.edu/music.
