Bakersfield College Jazz Studies Release First-Ever CD

Friday, September 15, 2023

Bakersfield College’s Jazz Studies Program, under the direction of Professor Kris Tiner, has announced the release of the program’s first-ever physical release of original music, entitled Big Bang. The all-new compact disc features 13 original compositions from students in the BC Jazz Studies program, who will perform alongside Jazz Studies faculty on Saturday, October 14th as part of “Jazz in the Garden” at the Bakersfield Museum of Art, part of Downtown Bakersfield’s Second Saturday events presented by The Hub of Bakersfield.

“We are beyond excited to share this collection of original music, which reflects so much dedication and creativity from our students.” says Tiner. “Many of these tunes have been premiered and developed at the Jazz in the Garden concerts, so we are excited to come back to the BMoA to celebrate the CD release.”

Big Bang features 13 tracks selected from over 50 original student compositions recorded in the past two years in the music lab at BC’s Edward Simonsen Performing Arts Center. Included on the album are the recordings that won the 2022 DownBeat Student Music Award for Outstanding Community College Small Jazz Combo, a top national recognition. The CD will be available for purchase at the “Jazz in the Garden” free performances at the Bakersfield Museum of Art on October 14th from 10 AM to 12:30 PM.

Those interested can purchase the CD at either of these performances for a $10 minimum donation to Friends of BC Jazz c/o the Bakersfield College Foundation. Cover art for the album was designed by BC graphic design student Khalib Clark.

For more info on the program and its activities, visit BCJazz.org.