In 2001, The National Museum of American History designated April "Jazz Appreciation Month" (JAM).
Of course, jazz appreciation is a year-round pursuit for WBGO and our listeners — but we'll acknowledge the nationwide JAM celebration this month with a focus on the emerging generation of jazz artists. Tune in each weekday to hear an array of student musicians from across America and around the world.
NYU WAYNE SHORTER JAZZ ENSEMBLE
Under the direction of saxophonist Dave Pietro, an Assistant Professor of Jazz Studies at New York University, this student ensemble performs the compositions of Wayne Shorter — who is not only a lodestar of modern jazz but also a Newark native and an NYU alum.
The group currently consists of alto saxophonist Sun Hyun Yoo (Daejeon, South Korea), trombonist Gabe Fraivillig (Doylestown, Pa.), guitarist Franklin Rankin (Freeport, N.Y.), pianist Andrew Andron (New York, N.Y.), bassist Luis Nunez (San Juan, Puerto Rico), and drummer Beau Cadigan (Daly City, Calif.). They visited our performance studio at WBGO to perform four compositions, spanning the entirety of Shorter's illustrious career — from his early stint with Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers to his iconic years with Miles Davis and Weather Report, and up to contemporary recordings like "Alegria."
Listen for these songs throughout the day on 88.3 FM, or play them below.
