Jazz Bassoonist Will Perform

Bassoonist Paul Hanson will visit the College on Tuesday, November 5, to give the third recital in the School of Music's new "Improvisation and You" series. The free performance will begin at 8:15 p.m. in the Hockett Family Recital Hall. Hanson will be backed by a rhythm section composed of professor of jazz studies Steve Brown and members of the Ithaca College Jazz Workshop big band.

The bassoon is not an instrument traditionally associated with jazz. Hanson, however, by combining the elements of jazz, funk, and electronic music, has redefined the depth and range of his instrument.

Grand-prize winner of Jazziz magazine's 1996 Woodwinds on Fire Contest, Hanson has gained international recognition for his unique style of playing. He has toured extensively in Europe, Japan, Canada, and the United States and has performed at the North Sea, Montreux, Monterey, and Berlin Jazz Festivals.

The Last Romantics, his first compact disc recording as lead artist, received "best jazz recording" honors from Audiophile magazine of Japan. Hanson has also recorded with South American guitarist Enrique Correa and Cuban jazz pianist Omar Sosa.

In addition to his public performance at Ithaca College, Hanson will conduct an improvisational clinic for students in the School of Music. The instruction will take place on Tuesday, November 5, at 4:00 p.m. in the Hockett Family Recital Hall.

By focusing on music that is wholly or partially created during performance, the "Improvisation and You" series offers audiences the opportunity to appreciate the musical skills needed for extemporaneous presentations. Earlier recitals in the series were given by jazz quintet Five Play and jazz and ragtime pianist Tony Caramia.