2016 Improv Traditions & Innovations: From Ring Shout To Blues To Jazz Music Director

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A recent news article, by music critic Jeff Miers, describes George Caldwell as “a fully tenured jazz piano legend…one of the pre-eminent players in modern jazz.” Highlights of his career as a jazz pianist include: a stint with tenor saxophonist Clifford Jordan; piano chair of the Duke Ellington Orchestra, and touring the globe with the renowned Count Basie Orchestra. He garnered a Grammy in 1996 for the cd Live at the Manchester Craftsman’s Guild. His Broadway, National and European Tours include Black and Blue, and Bring in ‘da Noise, Bring in ‘da Funk. He has shared the bandstand with Dizzy Gillespie, Cab Calloway, Shirley Bassey, Quincy Jones, Joe Williams, George Benson, Kenny Garrett, Gregory Hines, Savion Glover, Lou Rawls, Lionel Hampton, George Coleman, Roy Hargrove, and Bobby McFerrin. Caldwell has also performed at major jazz festivals and in the great concert halls of the world.