Geof Bradfield, professor jazz studies in the NIU School of Music, has been named one of the City of Chicago’s Esteemed Artists for 2022. Bradfield was one of only four musicians to receive this recognition this year. The award includes $15,000 to use to support any artistic endeavors this calendar year, and Bradfield said he plans to use it to help fund a large ensemble project for the School of Music that he is currently working on.
From the City of Chicago’s announcement:
“Geof Bradfield’s work as a composer and saxophonist embraces intersections of jazz and other streams of African diaspora, drawing inspiration from Charlie Parker, Melba Liston, Lead Belly, Shona mbira and Gullah spirituals. Bradfield has performed nationally and internationally with artists such as Randy Weston, Dana Hall, Clark Sommers, and Jeff Parker. His eight albums have garnered critical accolades from the New York Times, Los Angeles Times and NPR. He has received grants and awards from Chamber Music America, DCASE, Illinois Arts Council and the Mellon Foundation.
Related:
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Geof Bradfield and this “temporary trio” featured on NPR’s Fresh Air – October 9, 2020
