Welcome to Jazz at George Mason University. The once young curriculum has now grown to a minor, BM, MM, and DMA in Jazz Studies, all of which are represented on this recording. It is immensely gratifying to hear eighty-six (86) beautiful students participating in small and large ensembles in true democratic form! The love and respect found in the department is inspiring and proof positive in the power of jazz to bring people together. I am so proud of these students in choosing to stand for something and pursue a life in the arts. Special thanks to our fantastic ensemble leaders, experts all.Jim Carroll, Director of Instrumental Studies (2016)This recording represents a new era of Mason Jazz Studies and it is exciting to see the program grow to new heights! This recording features the Mason Jazz Ensemble (directed by Jim Carroll) swinging their way through Nestico's"Magic Flea" and Count Basie's"Blues in Hoss' Flat." The Jazz Combo program, run by Wade Beach, is represented by"This I Dig of You" and Jerome Kern's"Yesterdays" which features former Airmen of Note vocalist and Mason student, Tracey Wright. A star in the Steel Pan world, Victor Provost has brought his expertise to Mason, that can be heard on the tracks"Samba Ouro Verde" and"Spontaneous Reggae." World-renowned Traditional Jazz expert Dave Robinson leads an excellent ensemble, navigating"Early Jazz" of the 20th Century with"Washboard Wiggles" and"Minor Swing." Latin-Grammy award-winning bandleader and drummer, Joe McCarthy directs the Mason Afro-Cuban Ensemble on tracks"Cha Cha Cha" and"Afro-Cuban Fantasy." Jazz Vocals at Mason, directed by Darden Purcell is represented by tracks"I Can't Believe That You're In Love With Me" and the Pentatonix hit"Run To You."