CCM's jazz ensembles and Chamber Choir welcome special guest Bobby Floyd on Sunday, April 29.
CCM’s Jazz Ensemble, Jazz Lab Band and Chamber Choir welcome virtuoso B-3 organist Bobby Floyd for a rare performance of Duke Ellington’s first Sacred Concert at 7 p.m. this Sunday, April 29 in Patricia Corbett Theater.
Conducted by Scott Belck, Earl Rivers and Dominic Marino, this unforgettable night of inspirational music is sponsored in part by CCM’s Tangeman Sacred Music Center.
Duke Ellington composed three “Sacred Concerts” during the1960s, calling it “the most important thing I have ever done.” The music was Ellington’s attempt to combine his show business roots, African-American culture and his deep religious faith into one work. His first such concert, A Concert of Sacred Music, premiered in 1965 at San Francisco’s Grace Cathedral.
Ellington was inspired to write this music by the civil rights movement of the time. In the program notes, he wrote: “How can anyone expect to be understood unless he presents his thoughts with complete honesty? This situation is unfair because it asks too much of the world. In effect, we say, ‘I don’t dare show you what I am because I don’t trust you for a minute but please love me anyway because I so need you to. And, of course, if you don’t love me anyway, you’re a dirty dog, just as I suspected, so I was right in the first place.’ Yet, every time God’s children have thrown away fear in pursuit of honesty – trying to communicate themselves, understood or not, miracles have happened.”
About Bobby Floyd
The passion with which Bobby Floyd plays piano, organ and keyboards are the result of his natural ability discovered at the age of two, his love of music and years of practice. Whether performing jazz or gospel, as a soloist, with a trio or big band, his feel is unique and inspirational leading him to many distinguished appearances around the world.
Floyd has performed extensively in the U.S., Canada, Europe and Japan. Touring events include major jazz festivals, concert halls and numerous night clubs with Ray Charles, Jeff Tyzik, Chris Howes and Sarah Morrow. The prestige associated with Floyd’s international appearances can also be witnessed at home.
In his hometown, Columbus, Ohio, Floyd has been a feature with the Columbus Jazz Orchestra, The Columbus Symphony, and ProMusica Chamber Orchestra sharing the stage with Dionne Warwick, Doc Severinson, Artural Sandaval, Faye Robinson and many others. He has also appeared in a variety of performances opening for Spyro Gyra, Smokey Robinson, Stanley Clark and George Duke, as well as accompanying other artists like David “Fathead” Newman, Bobby Watson, Greg Osby and Billy Hart.
Floyd has completed three recordings: Interpretations, Setting the Standards and Floyd’s Finest Gift. His next project, soon to be released, is a live performance recorded in Spain. Other accomplishments include recording and composing on several of Vince Andrews’ and Chris Howes’ projects. He has also recorded with Gerald Levert (“Groove On”) and Faye Robinson (“Remembering Marian Anderson”). Additionally, he is featured on a Rusty Bryant album, Rusty Rides Again, which received five stars in Downbeat magazine.
Floyd currently performs with his band (Derek DiCenzo – Bass/Lead Guitar, Reggie Jackson – Drums). Members of the group add just the right mix of talent and experience to create the elements necessary to produce an appealing sound that goes well beyond live entertainment.
Performance Times
7 p.m. Sunday, April 29
Location
Patricia Corbett Theater, College-Conservatory of Music
University of Cincinnati
Tickets & Parking Information
Tickets to “The Gospel According to Duke: Ellington’s Sacred Concert” are $12 each for general admission, $5 for non-UC students and free for UC students with valid ID.
Parking is available in the CCM Garage (at the base of Corry Boulevard off of Jefferson Avenue) and additional garages throughout the UC campus.
For complete ticket and parking information, visit ccm.uc.edu or call the CCM Box Office at 513-556-4183.
CCM Season Presenting Sponsor: The Otto M. Budig Family Foundation
Jazz Series Sponsors: Christopher Dietz & Family and Jamey Aebersold Jazz
Sponsored by CCM’s Tangeman Sacred Music Center
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