The Meadows Jazz Orchestra will perform nine classic and original jazz works in a free concert tonight at 8 in the Bob Hope Theatre of the Owen Arts Center.
Special guest, José Antonio Bowen, dean of the Meadows School of the Arts and renowned jazz pianist, will sit in with the students for performances of his original compositions “Ghost and Salsalation!,” among other works.
Under the direction of Akira Sato, the group will perform jazz pieces like Benny Carter’s “Katy-Do,” Neil Slater’s “Slow Heat,” and Harry Warren’s “You’re My Everything.”
The Meadows Jazz Orchestra is an 18-member ensemble of SMU students selected each fall by audition. The orchestra is dedicated to preserving the heritage of big band jazz while continuing to expand the genre.
Bowen, in his 30 years as a jazz artist, has appeared in Europe, Israel, and the United States with Stan Getz, Dizzy Gillespie, Bobby McFerrin, Dave Brubeck, Liberace and a great number of others.
His compositions, conducting and playing are showcased on many recordings.
Bowen’s most recent CD, “Uncrowded Night,” spotlights his playing with the José Bowen Quartet.
His Jewish music, published by Transcontinental Music, is also widely performed and includes a Jazz Shabbat Service, which received more than 70 performances around the world.
Bowen has written a symphony (which was nominated for a Pulitzer Prize in 1985), a film score and music for Hubert Laws, Jerry Garcia and a variety of others.
Other awards for his compositions include the Hubbell, Popular and Standard Awards from ASCAP, the Louis Sudler Prize in the Arts, the Bell T. Richie Prize, and the Koret Israel Prize.
Bowen will be teaching a Music class next semester, “Jazz: Tradition and Transformation.” The course will be a study of the people and music from its African, Euro-American origins through the various art and popular forms of the 20th century.
