Purdue News
Purdue News
Steve Turre, seen by millions weekly as the pony-tailed trombonist in the Saturday Night Live band, brings his unique collection of seashells-turned-horns to the concert stage. After an impressive career playing traditional trombone with the bands of jazz legends Woody Shaw and Thad Jones, Turre began to create his blend of Latin jazz and African rhythms with large conch shells. The Detroit Free Press describes the sound as "organic and stunningly beautiful."
Each of Turre's 10 band members, whether a brass player or percussionist, doubles on traditional horns and shells. The more than 30 shells are carved by hand, and each offers a range of about five notes. The mellow sound from the shells is made by blowing through the carved mouthpiece while placing the hand in the spiral shell's opening.
The Oregonian says a Sanctified Shell Band performance is "full of distinctly haunting tonal flavors without resting on the shells as a gimmick. In fact, the tunes -- influenced by blues, raga and Afro-Cuban styles -- and the high level of musicianship are what really make Turre's shells worth putting to your ear."
Tickets are $19 for the public and $12.50 for Purdue students at campus box offices and Ticketmaster outlets. Charge by telephone at (317) 494-3933.
CONTACT: Kate Walker, Convocations publicist, (317) 494-5045; e-mail, krwalker@convos.purdue.edu
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