Friday, March 16, 2012
PRINCESS ANNE, MD-(March 16, 2012)-Philadelphia jazz trumpeter Duane Eubanks returns to his alma mater to perform in concert with the University of Maryland Eastern Shore Jazz Ensemble, March 28 at 7 p.m.
“Since graduating from UMES, Duane has become a top-rated jazz musician in New York City,” Dr. John R. Lamkin, UMES’ director of bands, said. “He was excited to be invited back to the university to be featured as our guest soloist this season.”
Eubanks grew up in Philadelphia surrounded by the musical talents of his mother, gospel pianist Vera; brothers, Kevin and Robin; and uncle, piano great Ray Bryant. He picked up the trumpet at age six, but it wasn’t until his college days at UMES that he became serious about a career in music.
“During the years he was here, I could tell he had a special talent,” Lamkin said. “He was very inquisitive about the music and practiced all the time.”
Playing with the university’s jazz band exposed Eubanks to jazz luminaries Stanley Turrentine, Shirley Scott, Charles Fambrough and Clark Terry, Lamkin said. Eubanks also studied at Temple University, where he performed with Dr. Billy Taylor and Wynton Marsalis. Johnny Coles, a legendary jazz trumpeter, mentored Eubanks and taught him the “art of the trumpet.”
Eubanks resume is impressive, especially so early in his career, Lamkin said. He has performed with several legendary musicians including: Phyllis Hyman, Benny Golson, Jimmy Heath, James Moody, Donald Byrd, Terrell Stafford, Tim Warfield Jr., Lionel Hampton, Antonio Hart, The Temptations and his brother, Robin Eubanks.
The trumpeter plays regularly at Small’s jazz club in New York. Eubanks also lends his talent to the Illinois Jacquet Big Band, the Next Legacy Orchestra, Jason Linder’s Big Band, and the Oliver Lake Big Band. On occasion, he returns to his native Philly to play with Bootsie Barnes or Shirley Scott.
UMES’ Jazz Ensemble Concert takes place in the Ella Fitzgerald Center for the Performing Arts on the Princess Anne campus. Tickets are $7 general admission, $5 for seniors and $3 for students with ID. Call 410-651-6571 for more information.
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Gail Stephens, assistant director, UMES Office of Public Relations, 410-651-7580, gcstephens@umes.edu.
Bill Robinson, director, UMES Office of Public Relations, 410-621-2355, wrobinson3@umes.edu.
