Performers

The High Winds Jazztet is a newly formed New Mexico quartet whose repertoire consists of jazz standards, popular classics, and original compositions. The group includes Chris Beaty-saxophone, Jim Constantopulos-bass, Neil Rutland-Drums and Travis Erwin-guitar/vocals.

The Bert Dalton Trio is a straight-ahead piano trio based in the SantaFe-Albuquerque area. This tightly arranged trio is led by pianist Bert Dalton and features Rob "Milo" Jaramillo on bass and John Bartlit on drums. The trio performs a mix of standards, Latin jazz, Brazilian, and original compositions. They recently performed works for trio and orchestra with the 70 piece Allen Philharmonic Symphony in Allen, TX. Bert Dalton has performed with Herbie Mann, Gene Lees, Anita O’Day, Daniel Binelli, Regina Carter, Von Freeman, Pete Barbutti, Victor Mendoza, Greg Abate, and many more. Bert has toured extensively throughout the U.S., including Alaska and Hawaii, as well as three tours of Australia and New Zealand, most recently headlining the Manly International Jazz Festival, Australia’s largest.

The Alumni Jazz Sextet is comprised of alumni of Eastern New Mexico University and members of the ENMU Jazz Faculty. Four members of the group were part of a jazz sextet in the1960's. They reunite to perform for special occasions. The sextet includes Bill Atchley (baritone saxophone), Chris Beaty (tenor saxophone), John Kennedy (Flugelhorn), John Kilmer (piano, vocals), Jim Ates (bass), Cam Clapp (drums). Performances feature classical jazz standards and contemporary works by Duke Ellington, Thelonious Monk, Sonny Rollins, Benny Golson, Horace Silver and others.

Trumpeter Jon Birdsong has recorded with a number of artists. He appeared on Grammy award winning artist, Beck's "Midnight Vultures," Geffen Records, 1999 and toured internationally with the group. He has worked with Brit Award winning artist Beth Orton playing on and doing horn arrangements for her 2002 EMI album "Daybreaker." Birdsong also appears on Victoria Williams recordings and toured internationally with her as well. He has appeared on and penned arrangements for bossa nova duo Smokey and Miho's "Tempo de Amor" and their self-titled albums. The group played international jazz festivals including lasat years Newport and Montreal Jazz Festivals. Birdsong has had a diverse career in popular music but comes from a background in jazz, studying at the University of North Texas. He has led his own groups in San Francisco, New York, and now Antwerp, Belgium.

The ENMU Jazz Ensemble is the premier jazz organization at Eastern. Theensemble is open, by audition, to those students who wish to perform anddevelop an appreciation for the jazz ensemble/big band literature. Repertoire covers a wide range of jazz styles. The jazz ensemble performs throughout the Fall and Spring semesters for University and civic events

To return to Bill's Jazz Page