Jazz Quartet to Perform At USU

Jon Gudmundson, head of jazz studies in the department of music at Utah State University, has the look of a jazz musician — casual and cool. However, his excitement level rises notably as he talks about a soon-to-take-place visit by the Marvin Stamm Quartet.

“Rarely do we get a group here of this caliber — never since I’ve been here,” Gudmundson said. “This is truly an all-star band in both senses of the term, ‘all-star’ and ‘band.’ Each of the four musicians is recognized as being among the very best in the world, and they really are a band — not just four great players thrown together for a one-time, or one-tour, event.”

 

Quartet members Marvin Stamm (trumpet), Bill Mays (piano), Rufus Reid (bass) and Ed Soph (drums) have played together for years, and the level of musical sympathy among them borders on ESP, Gundmundson said.

 

The Marvin Stamm Quartet will be in residence at USU the last week of March, with major, multiple events March 27, 28 and 29.

 

The quartet will play Monday, March 27, in the Manon Caine Russell Kathryn Caine Wanlass Performance Hall at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $10. Advance reservations can be made by calling Gudmundson’s office at USU, (435) 797-3003. Leave voice mail with name and number of tickets requested. Tickets can be picked up at the Performance Hall box office starting 45 minutes prior to the concert. Unclaimed tickets will be released for general sale 10 minutes prior to the concert’s start.

 

Individual members of the quartet will be featured in concert with USU’s jazz bands Tuesday, March 28. The performance begins at 7:30 p.m. in Kent Concert Hall of the Chase Fine Arts Center. Tickets for the student ensemble concert are $5 at the door. USU students with ID are admitted free.

 

Master classes will be held at multiple times Wednesday, March 29.