On October 16, the UTC music department welcomes world-class saxophonist Jeff Coffin and his band Mu’tet to present a demonstration/masterclass for the UTC Jazz band . The session will be held at 4:00 pm in the Roland Hayes Concert Hall of the UTC Fine Arts Center and is free of charge and open to the general public.

Jeff Coffin, well-traveled saxophonist/composer, and two-time Grammy Award winning member of Bela Fleck & the Flecktones, rejects all labels and categories other than "music" and "musician." Since 1997, Coffin has traveled the world with the Flecktones, performing with musicians of all walks. Some of those he has shared the stage and the recording studio include such diverse artists as The Dave Matthews Band, Branford Marsalis, DJ Logic, New Orleans Social Club, McCoy Tyner, Baaba Maal, Mike Clark's Prescription Trio, Chris Thile, Garth Brooks, Phish, Van Morrison, J.D. Souther, Vinnie Colaiuta, The Dixie Chicks, Bob Moses, Konger Ol Ondar, Stanton Moore, Brooks and Dunn, George Porter Jr., Umphrey's McGee, Del McCoury, John Scofield, Yonder Mountain String Band, Marc Broussard, Lynyrd Skynyrd, the Wailers and many, many others. Along the way, Coffin has absorbed an astounding range of influences. "Whether it be New Orleans Second Line, African music, Indian Ragas, folk songs, Alan Lomax field recordings, jazz, or funk," he says, "the spirit and breath of the music is what I take away from listening and playing. It's what decides for me whether I like it or not." One of Jeff’s more famous signature feats is playing an alto and tenor sax simultaneously.

Jeff will be accompanied by Mu’tet. Jeff himself describes Mu’tet: “"The group name comes from the word mutation. It implies a continual possibility of growth: music changes and is influenced by the things around us." Originally connected with Jeff’s “Bloom” CD, the Mu’tet is a constantly shifting array of performers of world class stature. On this performance, Bela Fleck percussionist Futureman will be joining Jeff along with other performers.

Besides performing at the session Jeff will work with members of the UTC Jazz Band. Students and audiences alike, from Farmington, Maine to Perth, Australia, have been astonished by Jeff's unique teaching and performing techniques and his listening, improvisation and performance clinics have helped countless students gain valuable insight into a deeper understanding of music. His seemingly instant connection and rapport with students of all ages and all levels has brought continued high praise from students, parents and directors from around the world.

For further information contact the UTC Music Dept. Office, 423-425-4601.

Photo via jeffcoffin.com