Jazz pianist Larry Willis performs with ECSU Collegians Jazz Ensemble

Kesha Williams
October 30, 2008

The Collegians Jazz Ensemble at Elizabeth City State University welcomed jazz pianist and composer Larry Willis as a guest performer for their concert on November 11 in the K. E. White Graduate and Continuing Education Center. Willis’ career recordings of jazz, rock, pop, Afro Cuban and more spans from the mid 1960s to the current decade. He’s played with jazz greats such as Dizzy Gillespie, Lee Morgan, Woody Shaw, Art Blakey and Shirley Horn. Willis also spent seven years as the keyboardist for the 40-year-old jazz rock band, &quotBlood, Sweat and Tears.&quot Fans cherish over 300 recordings that reflect Willis’ keyboard mastery. Willis is also credited with composing and arranging music for orchestras and big bands. He joined the ECSU Collegians Jazz Ensemble for a tribute to Duke Ellington. The concert is free. For more information, contact ECSU Professor Douglass Jackson, 335-3377.