Jazz Combos in concert Dec. 7

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Furman University Jazz Combos will present a concert Sunday, Dec. 7 at 8 p.m. in Daniel Recital Hall on the Furman campus.

Presented by the Furman University Department of Music, the concert is free and open to the public, and is also part of Furman’s Cultural Life Program.

The Jazz Combos are coached by Furman music faculty members Steve Watson who teaches in the jazz studies program, and Dr. Matt Olson, who directs the Furman jazz studies program. Watson and Olson will lead students in music written for small jazz ensembles featuring works from Miles Davis, Wayne Shorter, Herbie Hancock, and other composers throughout jazz history.

Guitarist Steve Watson is Director of Jazz Studies at The Fine Arts Center in Greenville, and a lecturer at Furman. As a guitarist for the University of Miami Concert Jazz Band, Watson toured in Switzerland and extensively throughout the Middle East. A member of The Bruce Hornsby Band from 1978-84, Watson is now part of Watson’s Riddle, an instrumental group he formed with Paul Riddle, original drummer for the Marshall Tucker Band. Legendary Chuck Leavell (Allman Brothers, Rolling Stones) is also part of the band.

Matt Olson is Associate Professor of Saxophone and Director of Jazz Studies at Furman University. He holds degrees from the University of Illinois and Northwestern University. He has performed with Randy Brecker, Kurt Elling, Benny Carter, John Fedchock, Doc Severinsen, Manhattan Transfer, Aretha Franklin, Natalie Cole, Bernadette Peters, Lou Rawls, the Temptations, the Four Tops, the Chicago Jazz Ensemble, the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra, and the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra, among others.

His work has been published by Downbeat magazine, The Saxophone Symposium, and Walrus Music. Matt’s debut jazz recording, “Vortex,” was released in 2006.

For more information about the event, contact the Furman University Music Department at (864) 294-2086, or email the department at FurmanMusic@furman.edu.