Lynne Arriale
UNF Jazz Studies Professor, Lynne Arriale releases her new CD to rave reviews.

"Once in a while we find ourselves delightfully reacquainted with an old friend, someone we thought we already knew so well, only to suddenly discover a new talent, a new philosophy, a new look, a small alteration in style or a more significant transformation. We’re awed by the change yet also relieved that the original basis of our attraction remains. Such is my encounter with Lynne Arriale’s new (and gorgeous) CD/DVD, Nuance: The Bennett Studio Sessions, released May 12th on Motema."

Read full article from Jazz Ink.

In addition, Nuance was recently named “CD of the Month” by the three German HiFi magazines. (May 2009)

Marcus Printup
On January 24, 2009, the most outstanding jazz musician and trumpeter of his generation, Wynton Marsalis (and one of the world’s top classical trumpeters, big band leaders, brilliant composers, and inspiring educators) visited UNF with a special performance by band member and UNF Jazz Studies alumni Marcus Printup.

While attending the University of North Florida on a music scholarship, Marcus Printup won the International Trumpet Guild Jazz Trumpet Competition.

In 1991, Mr. Printup's life changed drastically when he met his mentor to this day, the great pianist Marcus Roberts. Mr. Roberts introduced him to Wynton Marsalis, which led to his induction into the Jazz @ Lincoln Center Orchestra in 1993.

Learn more.

The Jazz Conceptions Orchestra
The release of the The Jazz Conceptions Orchestra's self-titled debut album The Jazz Conceptions Orchestra, after a wonderful CD release concert at Iridium Jazz Club, is now available for purchase at CDBaby.com.

The album features original compositions and arrangements played by the following members of the JCO (and UNF Department of Music Alumni):

- Alex Nguyen, trumpet/flugelhorn
- Brandon Lee, trumpet/flugelhorn
- Robert Edwards, trombone
- Alex LoRe, alto saxophone/flute
- Jeremy Fratti, tenor saxophone/flute
- Matt Zettlemoyer, baritone saxophone/tenor saxophone/flute
- Joshua Bowlus, piano
- Paul Sikivie, bass
- Ben Adkins, drums
- Ryan Rosello, guitar [track 7]

Learn more.

John "Lil John" Lumpkin
UNF Jazz Studies alumni John "Lil John" Lumpkin performed recently at the Kennedy Center's Betty Carter Jazz Ahead Residency Set.

Now in its 12th year, the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts national jazz residency program for emerging artists—includes two weeks of intense training in performance, composing, and arranging.

Twenty-nine young artists were selected for the 12th annual residency by audition application that considered both composition and performance skills. The panel of judges included jazz artists Nathan Davis, Carmen Lundy, Winard Harper, and Curtis Fuller. 2009’s group of participants includes emerging musicians from across the U.S., Australia, and Israel.

John was selected as one of four drummers to participate.

Learn more.