251 JAZZ ARTIST SERIES FEATURES GRAMMY-WINNING SAXOPHONIST JEFF COFFIN

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Jan. 28, 2008
CONTACT: Tim Musselman, (615) 898-2493

JAZZ ARTIST SERIES FEATURES GRAMMY-WINNING SAXOPHONIST JEFF COFFIN
Feb 7 Concert Will Treat Jazz Lovers to a ‘Charismatic Performer,’ Aliquo Says

(MURFREESBORO)—Two-time Grammy award-winning saxophonist and composer Jeff Coffin will perform in the MTSU Jazz Artist Series at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 7 the T. Earl Hinton Music Hall in the Wright Music Building on the MTSU campus.
Coffin, who has said he rejects all labels other than that of a “musician,” has traveled the world with the Bela Fleck and the Flecktones since 1997. He has shared the stage and recording studio with such diverse artists as The Dave Matthews Band, DJ Logic, McCoy Tyner, Garth Brooks, Phish, Van Morrison, J. D. Souther, The Dixie Chicks, Brooks and Dunn, Umphrey's McGee, Lynyrd Skynyrd and many others.
"Coffin is an outstanding saxophonist and a charismatic performer,” said Don Aliquo, associate professor of saxophone and jazz studies at MTSU. “His music covers a wide range of the jazz spectrum and he plays with amazing energy.”
Along with all originally composed music, the concert will also feature Coffin performing with the MTSU Jazz Ensemble I and the MTSU Graduate Jazz Combo. A master class will be given as well in conjunction with the concert, with the time and place yet to be announced.
“The students are thrilled to have the opportunity to perform with him,” Aliquo said.
Currently in its ninth season, the Jazz Artist Series brings internationally renowned jazz artists to the region for performances and educational workshops. Past guest artists have included some of the most important jazz musicians and educators in jazz history. Aliquo noted.
The series is offered each academic year and typically features three concerts. In addition to the Feb. 7 concert, this year’s series will also feature saxophonist Lee Konitz on April 12. All concerts will begin at 7:30 p.m. in the T. Earl Hinton Music Hall.
ADMISSION: Individual tickets are $15 at the door. MTSU students, faculty and staff will be admitted free with a valid university ID.
For more information on the Jazz Artist Series or other events in the MTSU School of Music, visit www.mtsumusic.com or contact Tim Musselman at 615-898-2493.
For additional information on Coffin, please visit his Web site at www.jeffcoffin.com.


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• ATTENTION, MEDIA—A full-size jpeg of Jeff Coffin is available on a bottom link on the jeffcoffin.com Web site under the "gallery" heading.