JOEL W. SPENCER
Music
Educator
Professional
Musician
Curriculum Vitae 2006
JOEL W.
SPENCER
Music
Educator
Professional
Musician
Curriculum
Vitae 2006
Table of
Contents
1-2………….Education,
Professional Teaching
3……………Areas of
Instruction
4-5…………. Curriculum Development
6-15………... Related Teaching Activities
16-17……….Teaching
Highlights
18-20………. Club Performances
21-29………. Performance Highlights
30-33………. Recordings
34………….. Television Appearances
35………….. Studio Recording, Honors and Awards
36………….. Interviews, Lifetime Organizations,
Endorsements
JOEL W. SPENCER
847-251-4021 (Home) 847-682-3404 (Cell) |
60 Arts Circle Drive j-spencer4@northwestern.edu |
Education
Graduate Studies
in Music
1977-1978
Bachelor of Science in
Music Education
1977
Instrument Drum Set and
Percussion
Professional
Teaching
2001-present
Northwestern University,
Rank: Artistic
Coordinator and Lecturer, Jazz Studies Program
Director, Jazz Ensemble I
Coordinator and Director, Jazz Combo Program
Lecturer, Graduate Jazz Pedagogy Degree
Program
Lecturer, Jazz History
Instructor, Studio Jazz Percussion
1999-present
National High School Music Institute- Summer
Session
Northwestern
University,
Rank: Coordinator,
Jazz Studies Program
Jazz Ensemble Director and Coach
Studio Percussion
Clinician
Northwestern
University Summer Master’s Program
Director, Jazz Ensemble I
-2-
PROFESSIONAL TEACHING (continued)
1986-present
Rank:
Lecturer
Percussion Studio/Drum Set Studies
Small Jazz Ensemble Conductor
Jazz History Lecturer
Clinician
Jazz Studies Program
Professor Robert Lark, Director
1978-1980
Rank: Lecturer
Percussion Ensemble Director
Studio Percussion and Drum Set
Jazz Ensemble, Assistant Conductor
Lecturer of Music Literature 101
Clinician
General Music Program
Professor Gerald Lewis, Director
1977-1978
Rank: Graduate
Teaching Assistant
Jazz Ensemble Director
Clinician
Jazz Band Department
Professor John Garvey, Director
1973-1981
Ensemble Coach, Jazz Camp
Clinician
Professor John Garvey, Director
-3-
Areas
of Instruction
Administrative
Artistic Coordinator, Jazz Studies Program
Coordinator, Jazz
Combo Program
Jazz
Ensembles- Conducting/Coaching
Combo
Large
Ensemble
Classroom
Jazz
History
Undergraduate
and Graduate Studies in Jazz Pedagogy
Undergraduate and Graduate Studies
in Music Education
Professional Music Business
Studio
Instruction
Drum
Set Studies
Contemporary Snare Drum Studies
Clinician
Combo
Jazz Ensemble
Drum Set
Curriculum
Development
I have created two jazz history courses that I currently instruct
at Northwestern University
The Great
Jazz Drummers
This course discusses the
evolution of the Jazz Drummer in relation to the development of Jazz in the
20th century. Students are required to identify and describe the playing styles
of fifteen innovative and influential jazz drummers in the history of the
music. The main objective of the course requires students to elaborate on the
development of Jazz as an art form in regard to the ever-changing social
climate of the 20th century.
The History of Big Band Jazz
This course traces the evolution
of Big Band Jazz in the 20th century in relation to compositional style and
development. The main objective of the course requires students to discuss and
elaborate on the evolution of Big Band Jazz and it’s
relationship to the war years and the phenomenon of “swing” as a popular music.
The course features ten innovative Big Bands that historically represent each
era of Jazz
Course Design
Each course is augmented with a
course "guide book" that I have created. Chronologically, each
guidebook consists of a brief biography, interviews, articles and required
listening of each artist that is featured throughout the course.
In the classroom, the progress of
each lecture is coordinated with historical video footage and selected
listening examples. Outside the classroom, over two hundred listening examples
can be accessed on-line which can be found on the “NU Blackboard Site”. Each
course has been assigned a web page on the site where assignments, course
directives and all listening examples are easily accessible. Students have
found the Blackboard Site to be an invaluable source for learning.
-5-
CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT (continued)
The Jazz Combo Program and Ensemble Coaching
Rehearsals focus on experiencing
and learning Standard and Jazz Repertoire. Students are highly encouraged to
compose original material to add to the repertoire as well. The individuals in
each group are coached to develop the qualities of creativity and individuality as a jazz improviser along with the
additional goal of creating a musically cohesive ensemble. The next step
involves programming a repertoire for performance coupled with the study and
development of professional performance skills.
Performance and recording
activities are the central focus for inspiring motivation and overall
development throughout each school year. These activities not only provide
invaluable experience and growth for each musician but also serve to develop
musical and social communication between the school of music, the greater
student body and the surrounding communities.
Studio
Percussion/Drum Set Instruction
Studies in Drum Set encourage
technical mastery of Jazz, Latin, Fusion and additional popular styles. The
course of study requires that each student demonstrate coordination and
improvisation that exemplify each style.
Although not required, each
student is encouraged to become an active member of a performance ensemble
(Jazz Band, Jazz Combo, etc.). Further technical and creative development takes
place when private instruction is paired with an active rehearsal and
performance schedule.
Graduate
Seminar in Jazz Pedagogy
The ongoing process of development
as a conductor and instructor is dependent upon the active experience of
directing and coaching ensembles. As part of my instruction in Jazz Pedagogy
Seminar, each student is assigned to coach Jazz Combo and Jazz Ensemble while
being filmed. Upon completion, video footage of each conductor is
constructively reviewed and discussed. This experience not only encompasses the
study of rehearsal and conducting techniques, but also addresses the art of
communication skills between instructor and student.
Additional methods of instruction
include the study and discussion of:
-Program Curriculum Development
-Program Budget
-Performance Techniques
-Documentation (recording)
-6-
Related Teaching Activities
Joel Spencer- coordinator, clinician, performer,
conductor, lecturer
5/24/05-5/26/05- Studiomedia Recording,
Northwestern University Jazz Combo Recording Session
Coordinator,
Northwestern University Jazz Combo Program
5/15/05-
The International Custom and Vintage Drum Show
Clinician-
sponsored by Premier Drums
3/22/05- Northwestern University, Regenstein Recital Hall,
Jazz Ensemble
Clinician
2/21/05- Chicago Mart Plaza Holiday Inn
Action for Children Incorporated
Guest Lecturer
2/18/05-2/19/05- Northwestern
University, Regenstein Recital Hall,
ComboFest with Guest Artist Chip McNeill, saxophonist
Coordinator,
Northwestern University Jazz Combo Program
2/14/05-2/16/05-
Michael Kocour Jazz Faculty Recital
Guest Clinician
and Performer
2/7/05- Prairie State College,
The Prairie State College Jazz Festival
Guest Clinician
and Performer
11/15/04- Northwestern University, Regenstein Recital Hall,
ComboFest
Coordinator,
Northwestern University Jazz Combo Program
11/8/04- Northwestern University, Regenstein Recital Hall,
ComboFest
Coordinator,
Northwestern University Jazz Combo Program
5/22/04- Northwestern University, Pick-Staiger
Hall,
Northwestern University Jazz Festival
Guest Faculty
Conductor
Northwestern University Jazz Ensemble
Professor Don Owens, Conductor
-7-
RELATED TEACHING ACTIVITIES (continued)
5/17/04- Northwestern
University, Regenstein Recital Hall,
ComboFest
Coordinator,
Northwestern University Jazz Combo Program
5/15/04-
The International Custom and Vintage Drum Show
Clinician-
sponsored by Premier Drums
5/10/04- Northwestern University, Regenstein Recital Hall,
ComboFest
Coordinator,
Northwestern University Jazz Combo Program
4/19/04-
Guest Clinician
and Performer
Mark Bettcher, Director
4/15/04- Northwestern University, Pick-Staiger
Hall,
Jazz Invitational
Guest Faculty
Performer
Northwestern University Jazz Ensemble
Professor Don Owens, Conductor
2/5/04- Prairie State College,
The Prairie State College Jazz Festival
Guest Clinician
and Performer
12/11/03- Northwestern
University, Kellogg
BP International Corporate Meeting
Guest Lecturer and Performer
British
Petroleum Oil Company
11/25/03- Lake
The
Guest Clinician and Performer
Northwestern
University Jazz Ensemble
Professor Daniel Farris, Guest
Conductor
11/23/03- Pete
Miller’s Steak House,
Northwestern University Jazz Night
Coordinator
Northwestern
University Jazz Combo Program
-8-
RELATED TEACHING ACTIVITIES (continued)
11/22/03- Northwestern
University, Pick-Staiger Hall,
Jazz Night II
Northwestern University Jazz
Ensemble
Guest Performer
Professor
Don Owens, Director
11/17/03- Northwestern
University, Regenstein Recital Hall,
ComboFest
Coordinator
Northwestern
University Jazz Combo Program
11/24/03- Northwestern
University, Regenstein Recital Hall,
ComboFest
Coordinator
Northwestern
University Jazz Combo Program
10/18/03- Northwestern
University, Pick-Staiger Hall,
Jazz Night I
Guest Conductor
Northwestern
University Jazz Ensemble
Professor Don Owens, Director
10/13/03-
DePaul Day of Music
Guest Clinician and Performer
Professor
Robert Lark, Coordinator
10/5/03-
Faculty Recital
Guest Performer
Professor
Joan Hickey, piano
Professor Chip McNeill, Director
10/2/03-
Jazz Studies Department Clinic
Guest Clinician and Performer
Professor
Chip McNeill, Director
10/2/03-
Faculty Recital
Guest Performer
Professor
Chip McNeill, tenor and soprano saxophones
-9-
RELATED TEACHING ACTIVITIES (continued)
9/22/03- Northwestern
University, Pick-Staiger Hall,
Faculty Recital
Guest Performer
Professor
Michael Kocour, piano
7/19/03- Northwestern
University, Pick-Staiger Hall,
National High School Music
Institute
Guest Performer
Northwestern
University Jazz Ensemble
Professor Don Owens, Director
7/1/03- Northwestern
University, Pick-Staiger Hall,
National High School Music
Institute
Faculty Musicale
Guest Performer
Professor
Michael Kocour, piano
6/1/03- Pete Miller’s
Steak House,
Northwestern University Jazz Night
Coordinator
Northwestern
University Jazz Combo Program
5/31/03- Northwestern
University, Pick-Staiger Hall,
Northwestern University Jazz
Festival
Guest Performer
Northwestern
University Jazz Ensemble
Professor Don Owens, Director
5/21/03-
DePaul Jazz Combo Concert
Guest Conductor and Performer
DePaul
Jazz Combo Program
Professor Peter Ballin, Coordinator
4/25/03- Northwestern
University, Pick-Staiger Hall,
Jazz Invitational
Guest Performer
Northwestern
University Jazz Ensemble
Professor Don Owens, Director
4/10/03-
Faculty Recital
Guest Performer
Professor
Robert Lark, trumpet
-10-
RELATED TEACHING ACTIVITIES
(continued)
3/9/03-
Guest Clinician and Performer
Professor
Eric Hollenbeck, Director
3/4/03-
DePaul Jazz Combo Concert
Guest Conductor and Performer
DePaul
Jazz Combo Program
Professor Peter Ballin, Coordinator
3/2/03- Pete Miller’s
Steak House,
Northwestern University Jazz Night
Coordinator
Northwestern
University Jazz Combo Program
3/2/03- Chicago
Recording Company,
DePaul Jazz Combo Recording
Sessions
Guest Conductor and Performer
DePaul
Jazz Combo Program
Professor Peter Ballin, Coordinator
2/24/03- Northwestern
University, Regenstein Recital Hall,
ComboFest
Coordinator
Northwestern
University Jazz Combo Program
2/17/03- Northwestern
University, Regenstein Recital Hall,
ComboFest
Coordinator
Northwestern
University Jazz Combo Program
2/17/03- Northwestern University, Regenstein
Hall, Evanston, IL
NU Percussion DM Auditions
Adjudicator
Percussion
Program
Professor Michael Burritt, Coordinator
1/23/03-
University of Illinois Jazz
Studies Department
Guest Clinician
Professor
Chip McNeill, Director
1/23/03-
Faculty Recital
Guest Performer
Professor
Chip McNeill, tenor and soprano saxophones
-11-
RELATED TEACHING ACTIVITIES (continued)
11/26/02-
Tone Zone Recording,
Graduate Audition CD
Guest Performer
Jeffrey
Gutierrez, tenor saxophone
11/25/02- Northwestern
University, Regenstein Recital Hall,
ComboFest
Coordinator
Northwestern
University Jazz Combo Program
11/24/02- Studiomedia Recording,
Graduate Audition CD
Guest Performer
Aaron Kotler, piano
11/18/02- Northwestern
University, Regenstein Recital Hall,
ComboFest
Coordinator
Northwestern
University Jazz Combo Program
11/17/02- Pete
Miller’s Steak House,
Northwestern University Jazz Night
Coordinator
Northwestern
University Jazz Combo Program
11/10/02- Chicago
Recording Company,
DePaul Jazz Combo Recording
Sessions
Guest Conductor and Performer
DePaul
Jazz Combo Program
Professor Peter Ballin, Coordinator
11/7/02-
DePaul Jazz Combo Concert
Coordinator
DePaul
Jazz Combo Program
Professor Peter Ballin, Coordinator
10/5/02- Northwestern
University, Pick-Staiger Hall,
Faculty Jazz Recital
Guest Performer
Michael
Kocour, piano
6/4/02-6/6/02- Studiomedia Recording,
Northwestern University Jazz Combo
Program Recording Sessions
Coordinator
-12-
RELATED TEACHING ACTIVITIES (continued)
6/3/02- Northwestern
University, Regenstein Recital Hall,
ComboFest
Coordinator
Northwestern
University Jazz Combo Program
5/28/02- Northwestern
University, Regenstein Recital Hall,
ComboFest
Coordinator
Northwestern
University Jazz Combo Program
5/19/02- Cultural
Center,
Guest Clinician and Performer
Professor
Robert Lark, Director
5/27/03- Studiomedia Recording,
Northwestern University Jazz
Quintet Recording Session
Coordinator
4/22/02-
Guest Clinician and Performer
Mark Bettcher,
Coordinator
4/11/02-
Jazz History Lecture Class
Guest Lecturer
Professor
Robert Lark, Instructor
4/25/02- Northwestern
University, Pick-Staiger Hall,
Northwestern University Jazz Band
Guest Conductor
Professor
Daniel Farris, Director
4/25/02- Northwestern
University, Pick-Staiger Hall,
Jazz Invitational
Northwestern University Jazz
Quartet
Coordinator
4/22/02-
Guest Clinician and Performer
Mark Bettcher, Coordinator
-13-
RELATED TEACHING ACTIVITIES (continued)
4/18/02- Northwestern
University, Pick-Staiger Hall,
Jazz Invitational
Guest Clinician and Performer
Professor
Don Owens, Coordinator
4/9/02-
Faculty Recital
Guest Performer
Professor
Robert Lark, trumpet
4/9/02-
Jazz Concert Presentation
Guest Conductor and Performer
Northwestern
University Faculty Jazz Quartet
4/4/02- Northwestern
University, Pick-Staiger Hall,
Faculty Recital
Guest Performer
Michael
Kocour, piano
4/5/02- Northwestern
University, Regenstein Recital Hall,
Student Recital
Guest Performer
Scott
Kagawa, trumpet
3/16/02-Northwestern
University, Pick-Staiger Hall,
Jazz Invitational
Coordinator and Guest Performer
Northwestern
University Jazz Quintet
Northwestern University Jazz
Ensemble
Professor Don Owens, Director
3/12/02- Nevin’s Live,
Northwestern University Jazz Night
Coordinator
Northwestern
University Combos
3/4/02- Northwestern
University, Regenstein Recital Hall,
ComboFest
Coordinator
Northwestern
University Jazz Combo Program
3/3/02- Northwestern
University, Regenstein Recital Hall,
ComboFest
Coordinator
Northwestern
University Jazz Combo Program
-14-
RELATED TEACHING ACTIVITIES (continued)
2/24/02-
Northwestern University Jazz
Sextet
Coordinator
Northwestern
University Jazz Combo Program
2/17/02- Pete Miller’s
Steak House,
Northwestern University Jazz Night
Coordinator
Northwestern
University Jazz Combo Program
2/9/02- Northwestern
University, Pick-Staiger Hall,
Jazz Night III
Guest Conductor
Northwestern
University Jazz Ensemble
Professor Don Owens, Director
2/7/02 & 2/8/02-
Prairie State College,
Prairie State College Jazz
Festival
Guest Clinician and Performer
Professor
Valerie Nicholson, Coordinator
1/28/02-
Guest Clinician
12/4/01- Northwestern
University, Regenstein Recital Hall,
Faculty Recital
Guest Performer
Professor
David Ness, guitar
11/30/01- Northwestern
University, Regenstein Recital Hall,
ComboFest
Coordinator
Northwestern
University Jazz Combo Program
11/19/01- Northwestern
University, Regenstein Recital Hall,
ComboFest
Coordinator
Northwestern
University Jazz Combo Program
11/11/01- Pete
Miller’s Steak House Evanston, Il.
Northwestern University Jazz Night
Coordinator
Northwestern
University Jazz Combo Program
-15-
RELATED TEACHING ACTIVITIES (continued)
11/13/01- Evanston
Women’s Club,
Northwestern University Jazz
Septet
Coordinator
Northwestern
University Jazz Combo Program
10/8/01-
DePaul Day of Music
Guest Clinician and Performer
Professor
Robert Lark, Coordinator
4/28/01-
Guest Clinician and Performer
Mark Bettcher,
Coordinator
1986-2000:
DePaul Day of Music (Columbus Day, annually)
Guest Clinician and Performer
Professor
Robert Lark, Coordinator
5/6/97-
Jazz Cabaret
Guest Clinician and Performer
Dr. David Fodor, Director
-16-
Teaching
Highlights
Carnegie
Hall Jazz Workshop Competition
Fall 2003- The
Northwestern University Jazz Sextet has recently applied for competitive
adjudication as to be selected as one of three finalists for a week- long
workshop to be held at Carnegie Hall in March of 2004. If selected, the group
will experience top level coaching and clinics directed by such artists as
saxophonist David Liebman and bassist Rufus Reid. The
end of the workshop will result with each of the finalists performing in
concert at Carnegie Hall.
The requirements for application
included providing biographies for each group member, letters of
recommendation, studio-produced CD recording and a video taped performance.
This total experience has proven to be highly motivational and has inspired an
intense period of growth for each member of the sextet in regard to musical and
personal development. Results will be announced in early January of 2004.
Northwestern
University Jazz Sextet
The Elmhurst
College
Spring 2002- The
Northwestern University Jazz Sextet attended the Elmhurst College Jazz
Festival,
The Northwestern University Jazz
Sextet’s performance received a rewarding response from the audience and the
judges. The quality of their performance resulted in being selected as one of
three “Outstanding Small Group Jazz Ensembles" of the entire festival.
Also, five of the six members of the sextet were honored with "Outstanding
Soloist" awards.
Individual Student Development
Spring 2003- Eric Hollenbeck, who was currently completing his DM in Percussion, began
to study drum set independently in Spring quarter
2002. At this time Eric became a member of the Jazz Combo Program and quickly
proved to be one of our most talented students in the program. In Winter quarter of 2003, Eric began to study privately in the
Percussion Studio and continued to study jazz Percussion for the remainder of
Spring quarter 2003. As a result of these activities, Eric continued to make
great strides as a jazz improviser and ensemble player.
Eric was just recently hired as
Assistant Professor of Percussion at
-17-
TEACHING
HIGHLIGHTS (continued)
Winter 2003- Charles Geizhals,
who completed his undergraduate study in Greek Classics in Spring
of 2003, had been a highly active jazz pianist in the Northwestern University
Jazz Combo Program since my arrival in Fall of 2001. I worked with Charles
specifically in regard to the role of the accompanist in contrast to the role
of the jazz soloist.
Charles served as a foreign
exchange student in
In Spring
of 2003, Charles was accepted for admission to the prestigious Manhattan School
of Music as a graduate student in the Jazz Studies Program. Charles began his
graduate work at
-18-
Club
Performances
During the 1980’s, I served as
musical director and performer at two of the most prestigious jazz clubs
located in Chicago, “George’s” and “Rick’s Café American”. In addition, I
regularly performed at the “Jazz Gallery” in
The following two pages list performances
exclusive to the aforementioned clubs.
-19-
CLUB
PERFORMANCES (continued)
The Jazz Showcase
1979-2003
Joel Spencer, drum set
Monte Alexander, piano
Gary
Bartz, alto saxophone
Kenny Burrell, guitar
John Campbell, piano
Al
Cohn, tenor saxophone
Richie
Cole, alto saxophone
Dorothy
Donegan, piano
Kenny
Drew Jr., piano
Art Farmer, trumpet
Dizzy Gillespie, trumpet
Bunky Green, alto saxophone
Scott Hamilton, tenor saxophone
Eddie Harris, tenor saxophone
Eddie Jefferson, vocalist
Hank Jones, piano
Clifford Jordan, tenor saxophone
Dave McKenna, piano
Jim McNeely, piano
Red Rodney, trumpet
Jabbo Smith, cornet
George’s
Chicago , Illinois
1983-1989
Joel Spencer, drum set
David Allyn, vocalist
Oscar Brown, vocalist
Ruth Brown, vocalist
John Campbell, piano
Chris Connor, vocalist
Dorothy Donegan,
piano
Billy Eckstine,
vocalist
Herb Ellis, guitar
Bobby Enriquez, piano
Eddie Higgins, piano
Cissy
-20-
George’s (continued)
Hank
Jones, piano
Shelia Jordan, vocalist
Barney Kessel,
guitar
Mileho
Levieve, piano
Lou
Levy, piano
Johnny O’Neil, piano
Red Rodney, trumpet
Annie Ross, vocalist
Bobby Scott, piano & vocal
Woody Shaw, trumpet
Cybil Sheppard, vocalist/actress
Wayne Shorter, saxophone
Dakota Stanton, vocalist
Cedar Walton, piano
Jimmy Witherspoon, vocalist
Rick’s Café American
1984-1986
Joel Spencer, drum set
Charlie
Byrd, guitar
Billy Daniels, vocalist
Buddy DeFranco, clarinet
Bobby Enriquez, piano
Ron Foyer, piano
Terry Gibbs, vibraphone
Fran Jeffries, vocalist
Maureen McGovern, vocalist
Joe Williams, vocalist
The Jazz Gallery
1980-1982
Joel Spencer, drum set
Chet
Baker, trumpet
Kenny Burrell, guitar
Lou Donaldson, alto saxophone
Bunky Green, alto saxophone
Barry Harris, piano
Freddie Hubbard, trumpet
Charles McPherson, alto saxophone
Dakota
Stanton, vocalist
Sonny
Stitt, saxophone
Ira Sullivan, multi
instrumentalist
-21-
Performance Highlights
Concerts and Tours
Joel Spencer, Drum Set
Summer 2005- The
Torme’ Sings Torme’, featuring Steve March-Torme’
Summer 2005- The
The
Thelonious Monk Tribute
Orchestra, featuring Jon Faddis
Professor
Chip McNeill, Director
Spring 2005- The Green Mill,
The David Liebman
Quartet
Spring 2005- The Jazz Showcase,
The Frank Wess
Quartet
Fall 2004- - “Jazz Party At Sea” on the Norwegian Sun
The Benny Golson Jazztet
Featuring, Terrell Stafford and Curtis Fuller
Fall 2004-
The
The Chip McNeill Quartet
Spring 2004- The Jazz Showcase,
The Randy Sandke-Harry
Allen Quintet
Spring 2004- The Jazz Showcase,
The Scott Hamilton Quartet
Spring 2004-
International
Jazz Piano Competition
Guest Accompanist
Fall 2003- “Jazz Party At Sea” on the Norwegian Sun
Phil Woods, alto saxophone
Junior Mance, piano
Hod O’Brien, piano
Randy Johnston, guitar
Stephanie Nakasian,
vocals
-22-
PERFORMANCE HIGHLIGHTS (continued)
Chip McNeill, tenor saxophone
Summer 2003- Northwestern
University, Pick-Staiger Hall,
Faculty Musicale
Michael Kocour,
piano
Spring 2003- Studiomedia
Recording,
Recording Session
Jim McNeely, piano
Chip McNeill, saxophone
Fall 2002- The Three Arts Club,
Michael kocour,
piano
Fall 2002- Northwestern University, Pick-Staiger Hall,
Faculty Jazz Recital
Michael Kocour,
piano
Spring 2002-
Bobby Shew, trumpet
Mark Bettcher,
Coordinator
Spring 2002-
Junior Mance, piano
Fall 2001- The Jazz Showcase,
Benny Golson,
saxophone
Fall 2001- Pete Miller’s Steak House,
Pete Miller’s Verve Jazz Festival
Michael Kocour,
piano
Spring 2001-
David Liebman,
soprano saxophone
Mark Bettcher,
Coordinator
Spring 2001-
Jazz Unites Concert
James Moody, alto & tenor saxophones,
flute
-23-
PERFORMANCE HIGHLIGHTS (continued)
Fall 2000- The Black Orchid, Piper’s Alley,
The Doug Lawrence Orchestra
Doug Lawrence, tenor saxophone
Summer 2000-
Salute to the Big Band Era
Ravinia Festival
Orchestra
Eric Kunzel,
conductor
Music at the Millennium Series
The
Larry Combs, Principal Clarinetist,
Winter 2000- Birdland,
Record Release Party for “Tribute To Ellington” c/o Atlantic Records
Daniel Barenboim,
piano
Clifford Colnot,
conductor
Fall 1999-
Lush Life,
Sadao Watanabe, alto
saxophone
Fall 1999-
Lush Life,
Eddie Gomez, acoustic bass
Fall 1999-
Quasimodo Jazz
Record Release Party for “Tribute To Ellington” c/o Atlantic Records
Daniel Barenboim,
piano
Summer 1999- Lush Life,
Brian Lynch, trumpet
Spring 1999- Lush Life,
Marvin Stamm,
trumpet
Spring 1998- Firmi Lab
Auditorium,
James Moody, alto & tenor saxophones,
flute
Summer 1998-
Ira Sullivan, trumpet
Warren Vache,
trumpet
Summer 1998- Orchestra Hall,
Gabriel’s Children: A Tribute to
Adolph “Bud” Herseth- CSO Principal Trumpet
Adolph “Bud” Herseth,
trumpet
Doc Severinsen,
trumpet
-24-
PERFORMANCE HIGHLIGHTS (continued)
Spring 1998- The Green Mill,
Tim Haggans,
trumpet
Rick Margitza,
tenor saxophone
Winter 1998- The Green Mill,
David Liebman,
saxophone
Jim McNeely, piano
Fall 1997- Orchestra Hall,
Great Guitars
Charlie Byrd
Herb Ellis
Bucky Pizzarelli
Summer 1997-
Dorothy Donegan,
piano
Summer 1997- Aurora-Aurora Casino,
Aurora, IL
Don Rickles,
comedian/actor
Summer 1997-
Eddie Higgins,
piano
Don Menza, tenor
saxophone
Spring 1997-
Joe Williams, vocalist
Winter 1997- Auditorium Theatre,
A Jazzy Chanukah with Ben Sidran
Ben Sidran,
piano & vocals
Eddie Daniels,
clarinet
Mike Mainieri,
vibraphone
Gil Goldstein, keyboards
Steve Kahn, guitar
Howard Levy, harmonica
Summer 1996- Ann Arbor Jazz Festival, Ann
Arbor, MI
Scott Hamilton, tenor saxophone
Summer 1996-
Ravinia Festival
Orchestra
Frankie Lane,
vocalist
Winter 1995- The Green Mill,
Mark Murphy, vocalist
-25-
PERFORMANCE HIGHLIGHTS (continued)
Summer 1994-
Scott Hamilton, tenor saxophone
Fall 1993- Four Seasons Hotel,
The Woody Herman Thundering Herd
Frank Tiberi, tenor
saxophone and conductor
Fall 1993- Northwestern University, Pick-Staiger Hall,
American Jazz Philharmonic Orchestra
Gary Burton, vibraphone
Summer 1993- The Red Sea Jazz Festival,
The Ameritech All Stars
Frank Tiberi, tenor
saxophone
Summer 1993-
Tonight Show All Stars
Tommy Newsom, saxophone
Red Holloway, saxophone
Summer 1993-
Red Rodney, trumpet
Ira Sullivan, trumpet & reeds
Spring 1993-
The
Chris Potter, alto, tenor, and soprano
saxophones
The
Professor Dale Hopper, Director
Spring 1993- Orchestra Hall,
Celebrating the Legendary Dizzy
Gillespie
Dorothy Donegan,
piano
Red Rodney, trumpet
James Moody, reeds
Clark Terry, trumpet
Fall 1992- Orchestra Hall,
“OH THEM RATS IS MEAN
IN MY KITCHEN!”
Clifford Colnot,
Conductor
Summer 1992-
Red Rodney, trumpet
-26-
PERFORMANCE HIGHLIGHTS (continued)
Summer 1992- North Sea Jazz Festival, Den Haig,
Ellis Marsalis, piano
Major Holly, bass
Red Rodney, trumpet
Marvin Stamm,
trumpet
Summer 1992-
The
The
Professor
Dale Hopper, Director
Spring 1992-
The
Steve Turre,
trombone
The
Professor Dale Hopper, Director
Summer 1991- Orchestra Hall,
The
Michael Feinstein, vocalist
Summer 1990- The Green Mill,
The Brad Williams Trio
Mark Murphy, vocalist
Summer 1990-
Kenny Werner, piano
Winter 1990- Clock Tower Inn,
Clock Tower Jazz Festival
Red Rodney, trumpet
Summer 1989- Umbria Jazz Festival, Perugia,
Italy; Kristianstad Jazz Festival, Kristianstad, Sweden; Tivoli Gardens, Copenhagen, Denmark
Jazz Members Big
Band
Joe Williams, vocalist
Fall 1988- The High Hat Club,
Cedar Walton,
piano
Summer 1988- Umbria Jazz Festival,
Perugia, Italy
Dorothy Donegan,
piano
-27-
PERFORMANCE HIGHLIGHTS (continued)
Fall 1987-
Yoshi’s,
Hank Jones, piano
Summer 1987-
National Public Radio
Broadcast/250 cities
The Joel Spencer Quartet
Summer 1987- Regatta Bar, St. Charles Hotel,
Red Rodney, trumpet
Fall 1986-
“Great Guitars”
Barney Kessel
Herb Ellis
Charlie Byrd
Fall 1986-
The Joel Spencer Quartet
Summer 1986- Homewood-Flossmoor Country Club,
Benefit for Battered Women
Ernie Watts, tenor and alto saxophones
Ross Tomkins, piano
Spring 1986-
“
Monte Alexander,
piano
Conti Candoli,
trumpet
Barney Kessel,
guitar
Jerome Richardson, saxophone
Pete Barbutti,
pianist/comedian
Fall 1985-
Hyatt Regency Hotel,
Frank Gorshin,
comedian/impressionist
Joseph Vito, conductor
Summer 1985- Homewood-Flossmoor Country Club,
Benefit for Battered Women
Ernie Watts, tenor and alto saxophones
Ross Tomkins, piano
Winter 1985- Fairmont Hotel,
Barney Kesssel,
guitar
Fall 1983-
Benchley’s On Broadway,
Bill Evans, saxophone
-28-
PERFORMANCE HIGHLIGHTS (continued)
Fall 1983-
Wynton Marsalis,
trumpet
William Russo, coordinator
Spring 1983- NAMM Show, Conrad Hilton Hotel,
Red Rodney, trumpet
Spring 1983- Benchley’s On Broadway,
David Liebman,
soprano saxophone
Spring 1983-
Bill Russo Big Band
Professor William Russo, conductor
Spring 1983- Nature’s Table,
David Liebman,
soprano saxophone
Winter 1983- Benchley’s On Broadway,
Frank D’Rone, vocals
John Campbell, piano
Summer 1982- The
Rainbow Room,
The Count Basie
Orchestra
Grover Mitchell, conductor
Jazz Members Big Band
Joe Williams, vocalist
Fall 1981-
Holiday Inn, Rick’s Cafe American’,
National Public Radio- live
Broadcast
Jazz Members Big Band
Summer 1981-
Archie Shepp, tenor
saxophone
Clark Terry, trumpet
The Jazz Members Big Band
“Ellington Tribute”
Jazz
Members Big Band
Gunther Schuller, conductor
Summer 1979-
The John Campbell Quartet
-29-
PERFORMANCE HIGHLIGHTS (continued)
Fall 1979-
The Playboy Club,
Buddy Grecco,
vocalist
Winter 1979- The Playboy Club,
New Year’s Eve Show
Frankie Avalon, vocalist/actor
Winter 1979- Orphan’s,
Joe Daley, tenor Saxophone
Fall 1978-
Le Bar, Hyatt Regency Hotel,
Earl “Fatha” Hines,
piano
Marva Josie, vocalist
Eric Schneider, alto saxophone and clarinet
Summer 1978- Bix Biderbeck
Jazz Festival,
The
Fall 1976-
Tour of
Carmen Cavallero,
piano
Summer 1976- The Broadmoor Hotel,
Carmen Cavallero,
piano
Fall 1976-
Clark Terry, trumpet
John Campbell, trumpet
Loretta Lynn, vocalist
Jimmy Dean, vocalist/actor
Fall
Kate Smith, vocalist
-30-
Recordings
Joel Spencer, Drum Set
2003- “This is
The Joel Spencer Quartet
Single
selection/promotional sampler
2001- “Big Band Swing”
The Doug Lawrence Orchestra
featuring Doug
Lawrence, tenor saxophone
DLM Records
2001- “Sometime Ago”
The Ken Spurr Trio
featuring Ken Spurr, piano
KS Records
2000- “You Talkin’ To Me?”
The Von Freeman and Frank Catalano Quintet
featuring
Von Freeman, tenor saxophone
Frank Catalano, tenor saxophone
Delmark Records
2002- “Until You”
featuring
Bob Lark, trumpet
Jim McNeely, piano
Hallway Records
2000- “Sessions...with JoBelle”
featuring
JoBelle Yonely, vocals
Ira Sullivan, trumpet and reeds
Von Freeman, tenor saxophone
Ron Perillo,
piano and arrangements
1999- “Tribute to Ellington”
Daniel Barenboim
and Guests
featuring
Daniel Barenboim,
piano
Dianne Reeves, vocals
Don Byron, clarinet
Teldec Records
-31-
RECORDINGS (continued)
1999- “Pins ‘n’ Needles”
The Frank Catalano Quintet
featuring
Randy Brecker,
trumpet
Frank Catalano, tenor saxophone
Delmark Records
1998- “Interior Window”
Joel Spencer & Mike Kocour
featuring
Michael Kocour,
Brad Wheeler, tenor and soprano
saxophones
1998- “Live at the Gold Star”
Stephanie Browning
featuring
Stephanie Browning, vocals
Jeremy Kahn, piano
HEREnow Records
1998- “Soul Mates”
The Joan Hickey Trio
featuring
Buster Williams, acoustic bass
Joan Hickey, piano
1996- “A Night In The Life”
featuring
Eden Atwood, vocals
Chris Potter, tenor saxophone
Joel Spencer, Artistic Producer
1995- “Gallery”
The Paul McKee Orchestra
featuring
Carl Fontana, trombone
Paul Mckee,
trombone and arrangements
Corridor Records
1994- “Never Let Me Go”
featuring Jackie
Allen, vocals
-32-
RECORDINGS (continued)
1994- “Who Wrote This Song?”
Joanie Pallatto and Bob Dorough
featuring
Joanie Pallatto, vocals
Bob Dorough,
vocals
1993- “The Brighter Side”
The Joel Spencer-Kelly Sill Quartet
featuring
Chris Potter, tenor saxophone
Garry Dial, piano
Kelly Sill, bass
The Jazz Alliance/Concord Records
1993- “Humpty Dumpty”
The Akio Sasajima
Quintet
featuring
Joe Henderson, tenor saxophone
Rene Rosnes,
piano
Akio Sasajima,
guitar
Kelly Sill, acoustic bass
Enja Records
1993- “Solo Plus One”
The Larry Gray Quartet
Featuring Larry
Gray, acoustic bass
Premonition Records
1993- “Jazz
The Ameritech All Stars
featuring Frank Tiberi, tenor & soprano saxophones
Ameritech Productions
1992- “Jazz Hit”
The Joel Spencer Quartet
featuring Michael
Kocour, Hammond Organ
1992- “The
Professor Dale Hopper, Director
-33-
RECORDINGS (continued)
1991- “East-West Dialogue”
The Barry Diester
Quintet
featuring
Jim McNeely, piano
Barry Diester,
tenor saxophone
Belephon Records
1991- “Presenting Emily Haddad”
featuring Emily
Haddad, vocals
Sharp 5 Productions
1990- The Movie Soundtrack of “In A
League Of Their Own”
1990- “Turning Point”
The John Campbell Trio with Clark Terry
featuring
Clark Terry, trumpet
John Campbell, piano
Jay Anderson, acoustic bass
Contemporary Records
1983- “Just Buddy’s”
The Buddy Childers Big Band
featuring Buddy
Childers, trumpet
Discovery Records
1983- “Live At Fitzgerald’s”
The Jazz Members Big Band
featuring Gloria
Morgan, vocals
Sea Breeze Records
1980- “May Day”
The Jazz Members Big Band
Sea
Breeze Records
1977- “The
The
John
Garvey, Director
Sea Breeze Records
-34-
Television Appearances
Spring 2000- Yvonne’s Piano
Yvonne
Faddis-Stroud, piano
Larry Gray, acoustic bass
WJYS-Channel 62
36 shows @ 30 minutes per
Syndicated
throughout the
WJYS Television Productions
Summer 1999- The Making of: Tribute to
Ellington
Live Taping: “Tribute To Ellington” recording session- Chicago Recording Company
Daniel
Barenboim piano
Don
Byron, clarinet
Dianne Reeves, vocals
Atlantic Records
Winter 1999- The Black Orchid Showroom,
The
Doug Lawrence Orchestra
ShowTime Cable Network
Summer 1994-
The Joel Spencer-Kelly Sill
Quartet
Ira Sullivan, trumpet and reeds
Chris Potter, tenor saxophone
Garry Dial, piano
Kelly Sill, acoustic bass
WTTW
Spring 1979- Jazz Showcase,
Live taped performance w/ Eddie
Jefferson, Richie Cole and The John Campbell Trio
Eddie Jefferson and Richie
Cole, featuring the John Campbell Trio:
Live at the Jazz Showcase (international
distribution)
Spring 1978- WCUI
The
John Garvey, Director
Winter 1977-
The Carmen Cavallero
Trio
Live Nationally Televised Performance
Fall 1976-
NHK Hall,
The Carmen Cavallero
Trio
Christmas Special/National Broadcast,
Spring 1970- The Mary Dee Show,
The Peter Budd Trio
WFLD- Fox Broadcasting Network
-35-
Studio Recording
Movie
Soundtrack Recording
Summer 2001- Soundtrack for “American Girl” products- Industrial Film
Summer 2000- Movie Soundtrack for “Unconditional Love”
United Artists
Vocalist, Barry Manilow
Summer 1997- Movie Soundtrack for: “Hoodlum”
MGM
Summer 1990- Movie Soundtrack for "In a League Of
Their Own"
Paramount Pictures
Commercial Recording
As a recording musician, I have
performed on numerous TV commercials that have been televised nationally. These
product ads have been recorded for
Cliff Colnot- Colnot Music
Manny Mendelson- Chicago Recording Company
Steve Ford- Steve Ford
Music
Sandy Turano- Scandal Music
Steve Shaeffer and Ira Antelis- Shaeffer & Antelis Music
Honors and Awards
Fall 1999- Nominated
for "Best Jazz CD Of 1999" by The
Joel Spencer & Mike Kocour:
"Interior Window"
Lakeside Jazz of
Summer 1981-
Interview with Billy Taylor following guest
appearance with Archie Shepp
NPR
National Public Radio Broadcast, 250 cities live
Graduate Teaching Assistantship
Jazz
Ensemble Program
John Garvey, Director
Summer 1974-
Undergraduate Tuition Scholarship Award
Jazz Ensemble Program
Father George Wiskirken,
Director
Spring 1973- Ludwig Percussion Award
Dr. Harry Begian,
Director
-36-
Interviews
Summer 2004-
May/June
Cover Story: Confessions of a Drummer
“Joel
Spencer, in his own words…”
Summer 2001- ChicagoJazz.com Magazine
Joel Spencer: His Life in Music
By Michael Jeffers
Jazz:
It’s Still Hot
By Don
McLeese
Winter 1987- Down Beat Jazz Magazine
Pro Session: “How To
Become A House Musician”
By
Mark Stryker
Lifetime Organizations
Jazz Institute of
Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity,
Artist
Endorsements
Premier
Drums,
Zildjian Cymbals,
Craviotto Snare Drums,
Regal Sticks and Brushes,
Aquarian Drum