When the faculty members of the Jazz Studies program at Temple University walk out onto a stage, they’re not just representing Owl Nation. They’re carrying on a lineage. Collectively, their shared experience extends as far back as the Thad Jones/Mel Lewis Orchestra, through the “Queen of Organ,” Shirley Scott, and on to Terence Blanchard and Branford Marsalis.
For a 2022 concert at the Temple Performing Arts Center, this faculty sextet assembled to perform a set of originals and pieces written by Philadelphia jazz icons Jimmy Heath and McCoy Tyner. In the case of Tyner — a West Philadelphia native best known for his contributions on piano in the John Coltrane Quartet — the song is “Fly with the Wind,” an anthem that appeared on his 1976 album of the same name.
In this version, arranged by pianist Bruce Barth, everyone in the frontline horn section takes an exciting solo. But the most exhilarating moment comes at the end of the piece, when Justin Faulkner, soloing over a vamp, explores the full dynamic capacity of the drum kit.
MUSICIANS:
Terell Stafford, trumpet
Dick Oatts, alto saxophone
Tim Warfield, Jr., tenor saxophone
Bruce Barth, piano
Mike Boone, bass
Justin Faulkner, drums
CREDITS:
Produced by WRTI
FILMED BY:
Christopher McDonald
Danie Harris
Jeremy McDonald
AUDIO ENGINEER:
Paul Marchesani
EDITED / COLORED BY:
Delia Joyce
SENIOR PRODUCER:
Alex Ariff
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF PRODUCTION:
Tyler McClure
ASSOCIATE GENERAL MANAGER FOR CONTENT & PROGRAMMING:
Josh Jackson
GENERAL MANAGER:
William Johnson
SPECIAL THANKS:
Temple University
Boyer College of Music and Dance