45th Parallel performs

45^th Parallel Ensemble’s fall concert is November 18

LA GRANDE, Ore. November 11, 2016 – Eastern Oregon University’s 45^th Parallel Ensemble is presenting its fall concert at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 18 in McKenzie Theater in Loso Hall.

The 11-piece ensemble directed by Matt Cooper, professor of music, features a rhythm section, six horns and a vocalist. Their repertoire focuses on original student and faculty transcriptions and arrangements.

On the concert program are two classic bebop melodies by 1940’s saxophonist Charlie Parker, “Anthropology” and “Ornithology.”

The ensemble is also performing Mongo Santamaria’s composition “Afro-Blue” which, although originally recorded by vocalists such as Oscar Brown Jr. and Abbey Lincoln, was made best known by John Coltrane’s instrumental recordings from the 1960s. Cooper has arranged “Afro-Blue” to integrate both the instrumental and vocal renditions of the song.

Photo by Peter Wordelman / EOU students from left Stephen Peterson, Miguel Vasquez, Logan Greenwell and Tori Gentili perform with the 45th Parallel Ensemble.

Thelonious Monk’s jazz standard “Well You Needn’t” and Joni Mitchell’s pop classic “Both Sides Now” from the 1960’s, have also both been arranged by Cooper to feature the band’s vocalist, Kelsey Hafen.

“Cold Duck Time,” a soulful instrumental from Eddie Harris and Les McCann in their 1970’s “Swiss Movement” album, recorded at the Montreux jazz festival, will follow.

Rounding out the program are two post-bop compositions by keyboardist Herbie Hancock and trumpeter Woody Shaw, “Tell Me a Bedtime Story” and “The Moontrane.”

Admission is free with donations accepted to benefit jazz education at EOU. Doors open at 7 p.m. with seating available on a first-come, first-served basis.

For more information contact Cooper at 541-962-3559.