Saxophonist Eric Alexander Jumps into Jazz Week 2007

TEMPE, Ariz.  –  Renowned recording artist and tenor saxophonist Eric Alexander joins the ASU Concert Jazz Band and the ASU New Music Jazz Ensemble March 28-29 at 7:30 p.m. for two exhilarating nights of music that mark the pinnacle of Herberger College Jazz Week 2007, March 26-29. 

Alexander is considered one of the most talented emerging tenor saxophonists, and his first release Too Soon to Tell was voted among the top five albums in 1997 by Jazz Times magazine.  A veteran of New York jazz clubs, he also has performed throughout the United States, Europe, Japan and South America.

“Jazz Week pairs amazing guest artists like Eric Alexander with the emerging talented students within the Jazz Studies program,” says Michael Kocour, program director.  “This year, Alexander, who recorded Stone Blue with legendary guitarist Pat Martino, brings a new level of artistry to patrons and students alike.”

A tradition for more than two decades, Herberger College Jazz Week has been presented every spring by the Jazz Studies program.  The week is filled concerts, master classes and special guest artists like Alexander.

Alexander now can place the esteemed Herberger College School of Music on his global travel list, as he performs March 28-29, at 7:30 p.m. in the Evelyn Smith Music Theatre in the School of Music building, 40 E. Gammage Parkway, on the ASU Tempe campus.  Tickets for the shows and all MainStage Jazz series concerts are $7-$18 and available at mainstage.asu.edu/jazz.htm or through the Herberger College box office, 480.965.6447. 

Be sure not to miss other FREE Jazz Week 2007 concerts held in the Evelyn Smith Music Theatre.  Call 480.965.TUNE for additional information.  

• March 26; 7:30 p.m., ASU Latin Jazz Band, Dom Moio, director
• March 27; 7:30 p.m., ASU Jazz Repertory Band and ASU Jazz Faculty Septet, Michael Kocour, director; members of Jazz faculty

The 2006-2007 MainStage Jazz series is sponsored by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona.  KJZZ 91.5 FM is Herberger College’s media partner for the series, and Jazz in AZmembers can take advantage of special concert discounts by calling the box office.

The School of Music in the Herberger College of the Arts at Arizona State University is ranked 19th in the country and eighth among public institutions by U.S. News & World Report. More than 100 music faculty artists and scholars work with approximately 800 music majors each year in research, performance and scholarly activities. It presents approximately 700 concerts and recitals each year. To learn more about the School of Music, visit music.asu.edu.