Award-winning jazz artist to perform tomorrow at Walton Arts Center
Issue date: 3/6/09 Section: Lifestyles
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Formed in 1999, the septet performs original jazz compositions and arrangements created by Baum, who plays the flute, the alto flute and piano. Other instruments in the septet include the trumpet, flugelhorn, alto sax, bass clarinet, French horn, piano, drums and bass.
Baum, a native of Connecticut, is a well-known jazz artist and composer from New York City, where she teaches at the Manhattan School of Music and the New School. She has composed and performed jazz music for 25 years.
"I've always loved music and the creative aspect of writing songs and the process of creating music," said Baum, who received her bachelor's of music at the New England Conservatory and a master's of music degree from the Manhattan School of Music.
The musician's focus is primarily in jazz, but she also has pursued projects that involve classical and international music, such as Brazilian, Indian and Latin. All offer her the opportunity to develop a strong, personal style. Baum's jazz projects range from the traditional straight-ahead to modern, original styles, according to Baum's Web site, Jamiebaum.com.
Her diverse musicianship has been exhibited on stage.
"One of my favorite performances was during a state development tour in India, where I performed with a famous Indian musician," Baum said.
In addition to India, she has performed in more than 20 European countries, South America and Asia. Baum also has participated in numerous jazz festivals in the United States.
Baum said she is influenced by her two favorite musicians, Miles Davis and John Coltrane. She also cited that her high school teachers influenced her decision to pursue a career in music.
Baum's latest CD, Solace, has been placed on the "Best CDs of 2008" lists in publications such as Jazz Times, Jazz Improv and The Village Voice.
In 2005 and 2006, Baum was nominated for "Flutist of the Year" by the Jazz Journalists Association, an international group of writers, editors, photographers, broadcasters, filmmakers, educators and media professionals who institute collegial and educational programs for the appreciation and circulation of jazz.
Baum has taught music at nationally and internationally renowned high schools and colleges, including the British Flute Society and Houston's High School for the Performing Arts.
For the past 15 years, she has worked as an endorser and clinician for Altus Flutes at Jupiter Band Instruments, a company recognized internationally for its superior craftsmanship and outstanding innovation, according to Jupitermusic.com.
The Jamie Baum Septet will perform two shows at 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. tomorrow at the Walton Arts Center's Starr Theater. Tickets range from $15 to $30, and student tickets are $5 for the 9:30 p.m. performance.
For more information about the concert or to purchase tickets, contact the Walton Arts Center at 479-443-5600.
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