Friends

JAZZ-ology

JazzaNova 2019-20: Dr. Stephanie Austin, Director

Natasha Singer
NinoAngelo Lastimosa

Jesse Chao
Celia Taylor

Gayle Wilhelm
Matthew Chamberlain

History

Founded in the Fall of 2011, JAZZ-ology won DownBeat Magazine Student Music Awards as Winner and Outstanding Performance in 2019, 2017, 2016, 2015, and 2014. The group has performed extensively including Club Bonafide, New York, and their 2019 France Tour: Jazz Club de Grenoble, Jazz Club de Savoie, Hot Club de Lyon, La Chapelle Du Mont Du Chat, and Paris Espace Ararat. In January 2019, JAZZ-ology was invited to perform for the prestigious Jazz Education Network National Conference. They have been National Finalist performers at the Monterey Jazz Festival Next Generation Competition, and Category Award Winners at the Reno Jazz Festival. They have released four professional CD's, Feelin' Good, 2019, Get Out of Town, 2017, On a Clear Day, 2015, and their Starting Here, Starting Now 2013. All four CDs are available on CD Baby, Amazon.com, and iTunes. You can find out more about JAZZ-ology's recording at the group's website.

Repertoire

JAZZ-ology performs extensively and focuses on challenging jazz vocal literature, both published and commissioned. The ensemble uses mature musicianship and vocal skills to polish and produce a commercially viable ensemble product. Some particular areas of focus are ensemble texture, different jazz stylistic characteristics, commercial jazz vocal sounds, historical jazz vocal groups, vocal percussion, solo development, and expansion of the jazz vocal repertoire.

Performances

JAZZ-ology performs for a variety of venues including 8-10 gigs between August and May, including Cuesta Jazz Festival, Piedmont Piano Jazz Series, Reno Jazz Festival, professional gigs, and self-produced concerts. The group records with Bill Hare each year and produces a CD every other year. Future plans include travel to other parts of the country and the recruitment of studio work.

Auditions

Each fall, a 4-8 member group is selected based on the best auditioned vocal mix. Rehearsals are MT 4:00-6:45 at Contra Costa College, and auditions are by invitation only. If you know someone who would be a good fit for JAZZ-ology, please tell them to contact Dr. Stephanie Austin in order to discuss their musical experience, as well as to schedule an audition.