JAZZ@FIRST | SONNY ROLLINS TRIBUTE

Celebrate the towering legacy of Sonny Rollins, one of the most creative and influential improvisers in jazz history and the last great link to the bebop era. Chris Andrews takes up the tenor saxophone to bring Rollins’ iconic compositions—including “Airegin” and “St. Thomas”—to life, alongside songbook standards like “Just in Time” that Rollins transformed into vehicles for his legendary improvisations. It’s a celebration packed with hard-swinging rhythms, fearless improvisation and a big, bold tenor sound.

 

A complimentary wine and cheese intermission is included with your ticket.

 

Jazz@First Series Sponsor: Al Harris

​

​

​​

__________________________________

​

About the Artist: Christopher Andrews, alto saxophone

​

Saxophonist Christopher Andrews’ driving swing and jubilant tone have excited audiences for years. Christopher maintains an active concert schedule as a current member of the Springfield Symphony Jazz Orchestra and as a top freelance musician. He has played with numerous professional ensembles including South Carolina Jazz Masterworks Ensemble, Kentucky Symphony Orchestra, Columbus Symphony Orchestra, Lexington Symphony Orchestra, The Harry James Orchestra, and Fred Wesley and the New Jb’s.

​

In addition to playing professionally, Christopher has served on the faculty of Northern Kentucky University, Claflin University and the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music where he is currently pursuing a D.M.A. in saxophone performance. He holds a Master of Music degree in Jazz Studies from the University of South Carolina and a Bachelor of Music degree in Music Industry from South Carolina State University.

 

__________________________________

​

About the Artist: Phil DeGreg, piano

 

Phil DeGreg began playing the piano in his childhood and now performs as a jazz pianist internationally. His earliest jazz influences were Bud Powell and Bill Evans, but he is accomplished and comfortable in a wide range of jazz styles, ranging from mainstream to bebop to Brazilian jazz. A graduate of Yale and the University of North Texas, he toured with the Woody Herman Orchestra in the 1980s and has 10 CDs to his credit as a leader. For 13 years he accompanied many national and international jazz artists in the house trio in Cincinnati’s famous Blue Wisp Jazz Club. He has been on staff with the renowned Jamey Aebersold Summer Jazz Workshops since 1983, and has performed and taught in Europe and South America.

 

Phil DeGreg is the retired Professor of Jazz Studies at the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music and is the recipient of two National Endowment for the Arts study grants. In 2008 he was awarded a 4-month Fulbright Fellowship as a lecturer in Brazil.

 

His text “Jazz Keyboard Harmony” is a practical text for teaching jazz harmony for all musicians, and is used all over the world in universities and for private study.

 

Learn more about Phil DeGreg on his website phildegreg.com.