|
Jazz student releases debut album this weekendApril 9, 2009 KALAMAZOO--Western Michigan University jazz student Ryan Andrews will unveil his debut CD, "Requiem," in two release concerts this weekend at the Union Cabaret and Grille, 125 S. Kalamazoo Mall. Copies of the new disc will be available at the shows, which begin at 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday, April 10-11. There is no cover charge either night. The performances will feature selections from "Requiem," an eclectic mix of rock, funk, blues, pop and jazz. A talented composer and percussionist, Andrews will be joined on stage by members of WMU's internationally acclaimed vocal jazz group, Gold Company, and local bands Nexus and Compendium. Andrews is a member of WMU's Lee Honors College and wrote all 12 tracks on the album for his final thesis project. The two-day release event at the Union will mark the first live performance of many of the compositions. The Kalamazoo native has toured internationally with Gold Company and other award-winning groups from the area. Last summer, he was the drummer for the World Youth Choir in Hong Kong, which included a performance at the 2008 Olympics opening ceremonies. Andrews has earned a handful of Downbeat Student Awards, including one when he was still in high school at Kalamazoo Central. A senior majoring in jazz studies and Spanish, he plans to graduate from Western later this year after studying abroad in Spain. Contacts For more information, including lyrics and song samples from the new album, visit ryanandrewsmusic.com. For information on this weekend's concert, visit the Union Cabaret and Grille online. Media contact: Tonya Durlach, (269) 387-8400, tonya.durlach@wmich.edu WMU News |
