Faddis performing with the ETSU Jazz Ensemble

Champouillon and Jazz Ensemble

Fest Sponsors Dr. George Winton and Doug Zimmerman with Faddis and Champouillon

On April 28 and 29th, 2005, Jon Faddis was the featured artist at the 2005 Tri-Cities Jazz Fest. The third year of the fest, held at East Tennessee State University and under the direction of Dr. David Champouillon, was attended by over 1100 listeners. Faddis presented a master class for the ETSU Jazz Ensemble students and invited musicians. For over an hour, Faddis imparted advice and direction honed from his already lengthy career and displayed the highest level of interaction with students, a skill for which he is justly famed. Faddis performed in concert with the ETSU Jazz Ensemble, including repertoire dedicated to his mentor, the late Dizzy Gillespie, such as A Night In Tunisia, Manteca, Emanon, Round’ Midnight, Whisper Not, and Woody’n You. As usual, his playing displayed the highest level of musicianship, technique, range, and style. Most notable to all the listeners is the fact that his already phenomenal sound continues to develop and mature. He was the consummate performer, dazzling the standing-room-only audience not only with his virtuosity but also his stage presence that made all feel a part of the performance. His appearance had a “homecoming” feel to it, as he is married to Laurelyn Douglas, daughter of retired ETSU College of Medicine faculty Dr. and Mrs. John Douglas.

Prior artists at the fest have included Maynard Ferguson, Marvin Stamm, Rich Willey, and Rick Simerly. Next year’s artists for the fest, to be held on March 3rd, are Doc Severinsen with The Airmen of Note (the US Air Force’s Washington, DC Jazz Ensemble).

Links:
Music at East Tennessee State University
Jon Faddis page at DillyGillespie.org