Guest conductor, soloist Brian Shaw to join Jazz Ensemble for April 20 concert

The University of Maine School of Performing Arts will host Brian Shaw of Louisiana State University for a jazz residency April 19–21.

During his residency, the associate professor of trumpet and jazz studies will be a guest conductor and soloist for the April 20 Jazz Ensemble concert.

The concert will take place at 7:30 p.m. in Minsky Recital Hall and will feature a special performance of Kenny Wheeler’s “Sweet Time Suite,” in full.

Shaw currently is researching and co-writing a biography of Wheeler, who passed away in 2014. “Sweet Time Suite” is Wheeler’s masterpiece, according to Shaw, and the concert will give Maine audiences an opportunity to hear Wheeler’s distinctive and influential composition.

Shaw also will offer coaching sessions to jazz students and a presentation on Kenny Wheeler on April 19.

On Friday, April 21, Shaw will accompany the UMaine Jazz Ensemble for a live recording session with Maine Public Radio, which will be broadcast on April 28. The recording session is open to the public.

Shaw’s guest residency is supported in part by a grant from the Cultural Affairs/Distinguished Lecture Series Fund.