The University of Arkansas has two jazz octets that are drawn from members of the UA Big Band. Each group rehearses during the same time slot as the UA Big Band, and alternates playing between the two groups. The combos are directed by Ms. Claudia Burson who also plays piano in the groups. The octets perform music of the Be-Bop era by such musicians as Sonny Rollins, Miles Davis, Cannonball Adderley, and newer compositions from the library of T.S. Monk and James WIlliams. Some of the compositions are written and arranged by the students in the group.
The UA "Blue Note" Jazz Octet playing at the "Towers of Old Main" Ceremony
in April, 2003
Matt Milburn, trumpet; John Land, alto sax; Jordan Sallis, tenor sax;
Chris Harriman, trombone
Scotty Walters, guitar; Matt Bridges, bass; Jason Palik, drums
Claudia Burson, piano and leader
Hear the "Blue Note Octet" play "Chant
for Bu" by Mickey Bass (Real Audio - 350k)
The UA "Vanguard" Jazz Octet playing at the "Towers of Old Main" event
in April, 2003
Shane Harris, trumpet; Michael Silvey, alto sax; Nathan McLeod, tenor
sax; Chris Moore, trombone
Philip Kelley. guitar; A.J. Swanson, bass; Rob Johnson, drums; Claudia
Burson, piano and leader
Hear the "Vanguard Octet" play "Electric
Company" by Nathan McLeod (Real Audio - 465k)