The Oberlin Sonny Rollins Jazz Ensemble, under the direction of Oberlin Conservatory jazz guitar professor Bobby Ferrazza, will perform in The Birenbaum. This performance is a preview of the music they will perform on tour in Cleveland on January 21 in Gartner Auditorium at the Cleveland Museum of Art.
Founded in 2018 with Rollins’ support, the ensemble carries his mission of using music to uplift humanity. The Sonny Ensemble will be performing original works by members of the band as well as fresh arrangements of Rollins’ compositions, along with jazz standards, showcasing their skill, creativity, and dedication to the jazz tradition.
Ensemble
LáRaya Hudson, vocals
David Serpan, saxophone
Luka Ison saxophone
Eric Collins, trombone
Jacob Seashore, guitar
Ricky Taylor, piano
Nicholas Doan bass
Max Simas, drums
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About the artists
For more than 30 years, Cleveland, Ohio native and jazz guitarist Bobby Ferrazza has performed in concerts across the United States and beyond, with some of the most celebrated jazz musicians in the world, including Donald Byrd, Joey DeFrancesco, Joe Lovano, Art Farmer, Benny Golson, J.J. Johnson, Slide Hampton, Curtis Fuller, Billy Hart, Robin Eubanks, Gary Bartz, Dan Wall, Marcus Belgrave, Clark Terry, Steve Turre, Bill Watrous, Jack McDuff, Dr. Lonnie Smith, Greg Bandy, Ernestine Anderson, and Vanessa Rubin. Ferrazza’s early jazz studies were with jazz guitar legend Bill deArango. Ferrazza has been on the faculty at Oberlin Conservatory since 1988, and he also taught at Interlochen Arts Academy from 1992-96. At Oberlin, he teaches jazz guitar and he served as the Director of Jazz Studies for many years. He now leads the Oberlin Sonny Rollins Jazz Ensemble.
Oberlin Sonny Rollins Jazz Ensemble was made possible through a generous gift to Oberlin Conservatory by Rollins, the revered jazz saxophonist and composer. More than a mere spot in an elite unit, membership in the ensemble requires a commitment to service through music and willingness to give for others—core principles exemplified by Rollins throughout his life and career. Auditions for the "Sonny Ensemble"—a core ensemble based in Oberlin's Jazz Division—are held each year, and all Oberlin jazz students are eligible for inclusion beginning with their first year on campus.
