Utter the phrase “jazz artist” and, inevitably, the image that comes to mind is of legendary performers at the peak of their careers turning out classic moments of artistry. Admittedly, there is a comfort level for jazz audiences that is created by famous faces and well-deserved musical reputations. Even locally, Knoxville Jazz Orchestra audiences are accustomed to seeing familiar faces on stage, many of whom have been with the orchestra for over 20 years. Naturally, this means that opportunities for talented younger performers may be limited even though almost everyone supports the premise that the future of jazz lies with the next generation.
Thankfully, providing opportunities for that next generation of jazz performers has become a central theme for KJO. To that end, the organization has created NXT GEN, a three-concert series in its inaugural run this fall, that will feature four “younger” performers who will be offering fresh and invigorating music and performances.
The first of the three concerts comes on Sunday, August 28, at the Old City Performing Arts Center in Downtown Knoxville, and will feature pianist Taber Gable and guitarist Jack Roben.
Pianist Taber Gable is probably familiar—at least by voice—as a jazz host for WUOT’s Improvisations. He received a Bachelor’s in Jazz Studies from the University of Hartford and a Masters in Jazz Performance from The Juilliard School. As both pianist and arranger, Gable will offer what promises to be an intriguing set dedicated to one of the founding fathers of hard bop piano, Horace Silver.
Guitarist Jack Roben is currently on the music faculty of the University of Tennessee School of Music as Lecturer of Jazz Guitar. Roben received a Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studies from the University of North Texas, later receiving his Masters of Music from the University of Northern Colorado. His set on the NXT GEN concert will feature the music of guitarist Jim Hall. In addition to performing Hall’s compositions, Roben will offer some original compositions inspired by the impressionistic qualities of Hall’s music.
The pair will be joined by Rob Linton on bass and Jonathan Barber on drums.
In addition to the upcoming August concert, the NXT GEN series will include two more offerings on October 23 and November 6. The October performance (The Music Of Donald Brown And Roy Hargrove) will feature Margherita Fava and Sam Adams who will be joined by Gable and Roben for the November Big Band concert.
Knoxville Jazz Orchestra’s NXT GEN
Sunday, August 28, 7:30 PM (Doors at 7:00 PM)
Additional concerts: Sunday, October 23, and Sunday, November 6
Old City Performing Arts Center, 111 State Street in Downtown Knoxville
Tickets are available either as a Series Bundle with a 10% discount or individually
