The Davidson College music department invites the public to a full day of musical events featuring noted jazz pianist Harry Pickens on Saturday, December 4.
Pickens, a 1981 Davidson alumnus who lives in Louisville, Ky., has collaborated withmany noted jazz musicians, including Dizzy Gillespie, Freddie, Hubbard and Milt Jackson. He has issued three CDs in a career that has included concerts in 17 countries around the world. Pickens is shown in the photo, seated, with Davidson music professor Bill Lawing, standing.
There is no charge to attend any of the events, all of which will take place in Tyler-Tallman Hall of the Sloan Music Center. The day will begin at 11 a.m.with Pickens leading a master class and conversation titled “From Stage Fright to Standing Ovation.”
At 2 p.m. Pickens will conduct an open rehearsal with the Davidson College Jazz Ensemble. At 4 p.m. he will lead another master class and conversation titled “Power Practice: How to Get the Most Out of Every Minute of Your Practice Time.”
The residency will conclude with a 7:30 p.m. formal concert with Pickens and the Davidson College Jazz Ensemble during which hewill perform some of his original compositions. His work reflects his study of diverse musical backgrounds, which include classical, jazz, popular, and world music genres. Pickens is also noted for directing his musical talent into works that increase awareness of social issues and into works that help listeners connect with the divine.
He has served as worship leader and musical director for many national and regional spiritual conferences and gatherings, and has composed theme songs for the Presbyterian Peacemaking Conference, Kentucky Developmental Education Association, and the Center For Interfaith Relations. He has also created and staged community-wide celebrations that tap the power of the arts to inspire positive social change.
Pickens is the composer of more than 40 songs that will be included in the “Sing The World To Peace”™ songbook, scheduled for publication soon. He has produced three CDs of his music.
For more information about the concert at Davidson, call the music department at 704-894-2848.
