Drummer/composer Dennis Mackrel will present and discuss his original compositions accompanied by bassist Henry Lugo and pianist and host Noah Baerman.

Dennis Mackrel first came to prominence in the early 1980s as the drummer for the Count Basie Orchestra, with which he remained for several years past Basie’s passing. His performance credentials since have included significant stints as the drummer in other prominent big bands, including the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra, Carla Bley Orchestra, and Dizzy Gillespie All Star Big Band, as well as in small ensembles led by Hank Jones, Joe Williams, George Shearing, Randy Sandke, Keter Betts, and others. He is also a celebrated composer, arranger, and conductor whose work has been recorded by many ensembles including those of Basie, McCoy Tyner, and Frank Wess, as well as by numerous groups that have commissioned new compositions from his pen. He is a professor at the Aaron Copland School of Music at Queens College.

Support for this event has been provided by Resonant Motion’s donors, the Middletown Commission on the Arts, and CT Humanities (CTH), with funding provided by the Connecticut State Department of Economic and Community Development/Connecticut Office of the Arts (COA) from the Connecticut State Legislature.

The 2023 season of this series is dedicated to Carol Schulz, former employee of the Russell Library and supporter of Jazz Up Close.