Pianist Jeffrey Lovell to Perform Oct. 12 at Lebanon Valley College

Take Two: Duo Music with LVC Music Faculty Jeff Lovell and Justin Morell

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Dr. Jeffery Lovell, pianist to Perform Oct. 12 at 3 p.m.

ANNVILLE, PA (09/20/2014)(readMedia)-- Lebanon Valley College assistant professors of music Dr. Jeffrey Lovell, pianist and Justin Morell guitarist, will explore their own original jazz compositions as a duet on Sunday, Oct. 12, at 3 p.m. in Zimmerman Recital Hall of the Suzanne H. Arnold Gallery. The performance is free and open to the public.

"We chose an assortment of mostly original compositions that each of us has recorded or performed with larger groups, including the typical bass and drums of a jazz rhythm section," stated Dr. Lovell. "We are particularly interested in the challenge of making these pieces come alive with that same energy, but in the much more intimate and exposed setting of a duo."

A frequent performer, Dr. Lovell often presents at Lebanon Valley College as well as open mic nights and jazz venues. He has developed a long list of original compositions and solo performances during his career as a jazz musician. His compositions and arrangements have been performed and recorded by the Oregon Jazz Ensemble, Sacramento's Valley Choral Society, and Brigham Young University's premiere jazz ensemble, Synthesis. He holds a bachelor of music in composition from Brigham Young University, a master of arts in jazz history and analysis from Rutgers University, and a Ph.D. in music theory from the University of Oregon.

Lovell's interests include music theory pedagogy and the analysis of pop, rock, and jazz styles with particular emphasis on the music of Stevie Wonder and saxophonist Joe Henderson. Lovell published the essays "An Exploration of Melody, Harmony, and Improvisation in the Music of Stevie Wonder," "Out of the Ordinary: Andrew Hill's Verona Rag," biographical entries on Freddie Hubbard & Joe Henderson's new edition of the "Grove Dictionary of American Music," and transcription contributor for "Andrew Hill: 21 Piano Compositions."

Dr. Lovell teaches music theory and aural skills, core music courses that develop student's musicianship and overall understanding of music relationships. He recently instituted the "Common Hour Jazz Jam," a faculty-led jam session for aspiring jazz musicians where students work on improvisation skulls by playing with faculty. His experiences have helped to inspire his students to gain a passion for knowledge and a love of music. His students recognized his dedication and awarded Dr. Lovell with the Educator of the Year Award in 2013.

Dr. Justin Morell has had an extensive professional career composting concert music, playing guitar, and working with many well-known performers, including Dizzy Gillespie, composer John Williams, and the Supremes, across the U.S. and internationally. While living in L.A., he led several ensembles, owned and operated a recording studio, and played guitar on several television and film projects, including Steven Spielberg's "Catch Me If You Can." Dr. Morell builds electronic gadgets for the guitar and teaches music theory, aural theory, and independent study projects for composition students. He is the creator of Pivot: A Music Theory Card Game that teaches students about chord root motion, including modulation and modal mixture. Dr. Morell recently released his latest album, "Subjects and Complements."

Lebanon Valley College offers numerous public performances by students, faculty, and guests of the College throughout the semester. For the complete list of recitals this fall, visit http://www.lvc.edu/music/student-recitals.aspx.