Audio

Please enjoy the MP3 samples of Jazz@WMU student groups and faculty projects.

Student Recordings

Faculty Projects

Student Recordings

Gold Company

Dr. Stephen Zegree, Director
Bobby McFerrin Professor of Jazz

The Gold Company program is widely recognized as one of the most successful and prestigious collegiate vocal jazz programs in the world.  The ensembles perform a wide variety of repertoire which covers all styles in the contemporary vocal idiom.  Gold Company combines the fundamental musical elements from the traditional choral style with stylistic characteristics from the jazz vernacular with an emphasis on improvisation and swing. (more information…)

Gold Company Recordings and Listening Samples

Gotta get you into my life from 30
Just Sing from Absolute Integrity
I Didn’t Know What Time It Was from Absolute Integrity
All Night from Absolute Integrity
I Remember You from Absolute Integrity

Jazz Orchestra

Scott Cowan, Director

Western Michigan University’s award-winning JAZZ ORCHESTRA is directed by Scott Cowan, Professor of Music. This 18-member ensemble has received international acclaim for its high performance standards and creative approach to big band jazz. Recognitions include three-time winners in the college big band category of the Down Beat Magazine annual DB student music awards, a heralded performance in New York City’s Carnegie Hall, 25 consecutive Outstanding Band recognitions at the Notre Dame Collegiate Jazz Festival, and featured performances for the International Association for Jazz Education Conferences in Los Angeles and Atlanta. (more information…)

Jazz Orchestra Recordings and Listening Samples

Boogaloo Land – from Boogaloo Land
Antione – from Boogaloo Land
Giant Steps – from Cosmosis
Nature Boy – from Cosmosis
First Circle – from Disposable Income


Advanced Jazz Combo

Dr. Scott Cowan, Director

Of Things to Come-from Rhythm Spirit
Love for Sale-from Rhythm Spirit


Faculty Projects

Western Jazz Quartet

Trent Kynaston, Saxophone
Tom Knific, Bass
Steve Zegree, Piano
Tim Froncek, Drums

The WESTERN JAZZ QUARTET is a resident faculty ensemble in the School of Music at Western Michigan University. Formed in 1974, the quartet combines performing and teaching with uncommon success as they promote jazz music and jazz education through a very active schedule of tours, concerts and workshops.

Visit the WJQ website for more information: www.tomknific.com/wjq2

Western Jazz Quartet Recordings and Listening Samples

The Warrior Temple from Mayan Myths
Jesse’s Dilemma from Mayan Myths
Harlem River Drive from Mayan Myths

Tom Knific

WMU bass professor, Tom Knific, leads his own group on these recordings. For more information, please visit his personal website as well: www.tomknific.com

Tom Knific Recordings and Listening Samples

Lines Of Influence from Lines of Influence
Home Bass from Home Bass
Siena from Siena


Scott Cowan

WMU trumpet professor, Scott Cowan, is featured on these recordings.

Scott Cowan Recordings and Listening Samples

Pentaman from Premiere
Boogaloo Land from Premiere


Steve Zegree

WMU piano and vocal jazz professor, Steve Zegree, is featured on these recordings.

Steve Zegree Recordings and Listening Samples

Dirty Dogs

Keith Hall

WMU jazz drum professor, Keith Hall, co-leads two NYC -based jazz trios called Tri-Fi and Paster, Ryan & Hall.

Visit his personal website for more information about these and other projects: www.keithhallmusic.com

Keith Hall Recordings and Listening Samples

Gotta Give It Up – performed by Tri-Fi on Tri-Fi
Grace – performed by Tri-Fi on Postcards
Her Lullaby – performed by Paster, Ryan & Hall on Skyline