MSU Professors of Jazz

Artist-Faculty and Guest Recital Series sponsored by WKAR.

Hear the artistry and improvisational spark of MSU jazz artists in this annual concert celebrating the lasting influence of Black composers on the jazz tradition. The program highlights landmark works by Horace Silver, Sonny Rollins, Kenny Dorham, Charlie Parker, Paul Chambers, and Blue Mitchell—music that helped shape the language of bebop and hard bop through bold melodies, rhythmic vitality, and expressive blues roots. These cornerstone works are joined by classic jazz standards, creating a program that honors the music’s foundations while inviting fresh interpretation and spontaneous exchange on stage.

View the full program for this event.

Artists include Carmen Bradford, voice; Xavier Davis, piano; Michael Dease, trombone; Randy Gelispie, drums; Randy Napoleon, guitar; Anthony Stanco, trumpet; Erena Terakubo, saxophone; and Rodney Whitaker, bass.