University of Kentucky Jazz Ensemble

A very active group on the road, the University of Kentucky Jazz Ensemble under the direction of Miles Osland has toured the Mid-West and South including performances in Chicago, Cincinnati, Dayton, Columbus, Louisville, Notre Dame, Tennessee, Georgia, and invitational performances at the International Association of Jazz Educators Conference and the Midwest International Band and Orchestra Clinic.

The band is also very busy in the recording studio. Five recordings from the jazz studies department have been recommended for Grammy nominations and received four-star reviews from DOWNBEAT magazine. To quote one review:

...the UKJE characterizes the best of today’s college band output.

From another:

Jazz Studies Director and flutist/saxophonist Miles Osland solos on the last two numbers and if his playing is a fair indication of his pedagogical abilities, then it is easy to see why he has turned out so many good students.

Jazz Times says:

You wouldn’t believe these are students! Not only is their sheer technical virtuosity amazing, but they also play authentically and expressively.

JazzIz states:

Precision in the ranks, superb soloists, and dramatic use of dynamicsmake this unit one of the best of its style.

The UKJE has twice been awarded the Outstanding Jazz Ensemble certificate at Annual Notre Dame Collegiate Jazz Festival and multiple times at the Elmhurst Jazz Festival. Two combos from the jazz studies program (UK JazzCats & UK Mega-Sax I) have received numerous outstanding ratings at the Elmhurst College Jazz Festival. Dozens of students have also been awarded the Outstanding Performer certificate at the festival. The Jazz Ensemble has also received the prestigious DeeBee award in the category of Best Jazz Instrumental Studio Orchestra from DOWNBEATmagazine.

The band has been featured with many national touring artists including: Bill Watrous, David Liebman, Tom Harrell, Doc Severinsen, Louie Bellson, Clark Terry, Mel Torme, Diane Schuur, Phil Woods, Randy Brecker, Bobby Shew, Bob Mintzer, Jamey Aebersold, and many others.