Southern Comfort Jazz Orchestra Has Long Tradition at the University of Memphis

For release: June 27, 2009
For press information, contact Simone Notter Wilson (901) 678-4164

The Southern Comfort Jazz Orchestra has a long reputation of musical excellence at the University of Memphis. The Orchestra is comprised of 17 outstanding full-time university student musicians ranging from undergraduates through doctoral candidates. The ensemble performs a wide range of styles from composers Fletcher Henderson and Duke Ellington to modern composers such as Jim McNeely and Bob Brookmeyer.

The Orchestra regularly performs and records new student compositions, commissions, and new works from outside composers. Recent performances include a tour of Europe, and presentations at the International Association of Jazz Educators Conference and the Tennessee Music Educators Association convention. Most recently the group was honored to be a part of the National Endowment of the Humanities “Looking at Jazz" Series held in the Mid-South in 2007.

The Southern Comfort Jazz Orchestra will perform at the University of Memphis on Tuesday September 29, 2009 and on Wednesday, November 11, 2009. The September performance is incollaboration with the U of M's Jazz Ensemble II. Both performances are at Harris Concert Hall. For ticket information, call (901) 678-5400.