Press

UJE Releases Henry's Sake Martini, Featuring All Original Compositions

May 4, 2011

The Unified Jazz Ensemble (UJE) is proud to release Henry's Sake Martini, the Ensemble’s ninth recording. Following nearly 20 years of performance experience, this album represents the unique sound and playing style of four diverse and seasoned jazz musicians.
View the press release. >

 

Unified Jazz Ensemble 2011 Tour Photos

April 15, 2011

Artist Kyrl Henderson captures the Unified Jazz Ensemble in performance in Decorah, Iowa.
View the Photos>

 

Unified Jazz Ensemble with Decorah High School Band Director Jim Fritz, April 14, 2011

Unified Jazz Ensemble Returns to Decorah

April 13, 2011

Decorah High School Band Director Jim Fritz reflects on the original UJE residency, "It was a remarkable time in Decorah!  ...As a music educator it was incredible opportunity for myself and my students.  The current availability of jazz offerings in Decorah were unheard of prior to the UJE residency. In addition," Fritz commented, "the tremendous growth of the jazz education at Luther College was begun during the UJE residency.  For me personally, it was one of the greatest professional opportunities in my entire career.  I'm eager to welcome UJE back home to Decorah and I hope all their fans will come out to hear them once again!"
Read the article in the Decorah News>

 

Acoustic Quartet Returns to Iowa for Encore Engagements

April 10, 2011

In the mid 1990s, the Unified Jazz Ensemble transformed Decorah and the surrounding area into a hotbed of jazz education and performances as participants in the National Endowment for the Arts' Chamber Music Rural Residencies Initiative. "I'm looking forward to seeing our friends who've remained fans over all these years. It's been about 13 years since I've been back and the band will be 20 years old this August. It seemed the right time to go back and thank all the people who helped us along the way," said Noonan.
Read the article in the Waterloo Cedar Falls Courier>

 

Unifying Jazz

April 6, 2011

Two decades after seeing their start in Decorah the experience gained from life in small town Iowa hasn’t faded for the ensemble.  “The UJE maintains friendships with families and individuals created through the residency to this day and looks forward to returning,” says Noonan. When prompted about what sets the UJE apart from the masses, Jim Fritz quickly responds, “Longevity – while there have been personnel changes, the basic mission of UJE is still vibrant, as is their commitment to jazz education. It’s a passion they have as musicians and as a band.

Read the article by Benji Nichols from Inspire(d) Magazine>

 

Documentary Short Features UJE at 49 West

August 10, 2010

The Unified Jazz Ensemble (UJE) is featured in a documentary short film by videographer Mark Schulte, recorded at the band's steady Tuesday night gig at the 49 West Cafe in Annapolis, MD.  The film features UJE bassist John Pineda describing the group's 14-year gig at one of Annapolis's favorite listening rooms.
Watch the film. >

 

UJE Awarded National 2010 Chamber Music America Residency Partnership Program Grant July 16, 2010

The Unified Jazz Ensemble (UJE) is one of just eight music ensembles nationwide to receive a 2010 grant award from Chamber Music America’s (CMA) Residency Partnership Program, funded through the generosity of the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation.
View the press release. >

 

UJE Releases Cradle Song, Featuring All Original Compositions

June 17, 2010

The Unified Jazz Ensemble (UJE) is proud to release Cradle Song, the Ensemble’s eighth recording. Following nearly 20 years of performance experience, this album represents the unique sound and playing style of four diverse and seasoned jazz musicians.
View the press release. >

 

How Decorah Got in the Groove

Summer, 1994

Visit Kelly Bucheger's "Writings about Jazz" to find out more about UJE's experiance in the mid-west.
Check It Out >