Thompson Jazz Big Bands

The Thompson Jazz Studies big bands are joined by NEA Jazz Master Dave Holland, pianist and composer Nikki Illes, and trumpetist Nick Smart for a spectacular night of music featuring original compositions by Holland as well as Kenny Wheeler's "2005 Suite."

Dave Holland is a bassist, composer and bandleader whose passion for musical expression and dedication to creating innovative music have propelled a professional career of more than 50 years and earned him top honors in his field including multiple Grammy awards and the title of NEA Jazz Master in 2017. Holland stands as a guiding light on acoustic and electric bass, having grown up in an age when musical genres—jazz, rock, funk, avant-garde, folk, electronic music and others—blended freely together to create new musical pathways.

He was a leading member of a generation that helped usher jazz bass playing from its swing and post-bop legacy to the vibrancy of the modern era, extending the instrument’s melodic, expressive capabilities. Holland’s virtuosic technique and rhythmic feel, informed by an open-eared respect of a formidable spread of styles and sounds, is widely revered and remains much in demand. To date, his playing can be heard on hundreds of recordings with more than thirty as a leader under his own name.

From orchestras, bands and choirs to jazz, world music and opera to world-class faculty and guest performances, the CU Boulder College of Music brings hundreds of stunning performances to Boulder audiences throughout the academic year.

Performance date and time

Friday, April 28, 7:30 p.m. MDT
This performance will not be livestreamed.

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