Since the Jazz Program at City College began in 1974, distinguished musicians like Jaki Byard, John Lewis, Sheila Jordan and Jimmy Heath have passed through its doors as educators. These days Associate Professor Steve Wilson, a well-regarded jazz saxophonist and bandleader, leads the Jazz Studies program at CCNY, and he brought one of the school's multiple ensembles to perform at the WBGO studios for our Jazz Appreciation Month Celebration.
The Grad Ensemble’s performers are Antonio Ciacca (piano), Steve Lacey (guitar), Moto Kobayashi (bass), Fred Griggs (drums) and Jamile Staevie (vocals). All are grad students except for Moto Kobayashi, who is an undergrad. The group performed Jule Styne’s “Just in Time,” along with three original compositions: “Oscar P” and “Jobim” by Antonio Ciacca, “Nobody’s Soul” by Jamile Staevie.
Hear them on 88.3 or in the playlist below.
