URI to host clinic by internationally
renowned bass guitarist

KINGSTON, R.I.-September 9, 1999 -- A touch of jazz will be flowing through Kingston this September as the University of Rhode Island hosts a jazz workshop by world renowned bass guitarist David Friesen. Free and open to the public, the workshop will be held Thursday, September 23 at 7 p.m. in the Fine Arts Recital Hall on the Kingston Campus.

The workshop is part of a nation-wide music clinic tour, sponsored by music string manufacturer Thomastick-Infeld. Friesen will be accompanied by guitarist Jerry Hahn. Clinics generally include Friesen playing selected songs, holding a question and answer period, and working with participants to develop their technical skills and playing ability.

Friesen has performed worldwide, touring the United States, Canada, Europe, Japan, and Australia. He has played alongside such celebrated musicians as Paul Horn, Mal Waldron, Elmer Gill, Joe Henderson, and Ted Curson. During his early career, Friesen practiced with jazz legends Miles, Coltrane and Bill Evans. Friesen has also proven himself to be one of the few bassists who can give a solo concert and keep the audience riveted.

His music, which combines jazz with hints of folk, classical, and Jewish overtones, and his skillful mastery of his instrument has won him international acclaim. In the 1980's he was voted one of the ten new superstars by Japan Swing Journal. Four of his albums received five star reviews, and two of his written musical scores for animated shorts were nominated for Academy Awards. In 1997 he received a nomination for best "jazz bassist" at the American Jazz Awards.

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For More Information: Jan Sawyer, 401-874-2116