The Lyceum series is helping jazz make its way to the hill. Nat Adderley Jr., former musical director for Luther Vandross, will be performing on Friday with his trio for the first time on FAMU’s campus.
His show is called “Music of Cannonball and Nat Adderley,” and the show will begin at 7:30 p.m. in Lee Hall Auditorium.
Adderley is the son of Nat Adderley Sr., a famous trumpet player, jazz composer, and alumnus. Adderley Sr. is better known for his work with his brother Julian “Cannonball” Adderley, a legendary alto saxophonist, and alumnus as well.
The brothers made classic hits such as “Autumn Leaves,” “I Should Care,” “Jeannine,” “Jive Samba,” “Mercy, Mercy, Mercy” and “Willow Weep for Me Work Song,” to name a few. Adderley will perform the hits in his show.
He has returned to his roots of jazz to showcase his father and uncle’s great work.
Sharon Saunders, FAMU’s chief communications officer, said, “Adderley Jr. is an outstanding musician who is accomplished in his field and I am hoping that our students will learn more about our great alumni.”
Also performing at the concert is Associate Music professor Longineu Parsons. Parsons is an internationally renowned trumpet player and served as the protégé of Adderley. He has been preparing for the show with a quintet since March.
“[Adderly is] a fantastic musician and to play [his] music feels so good, because really it’s the style of Jazz that comes from being from this part of the country,” Pasons said. “I’m thrilled to play.”
Tickets for the show can be purchased at the Alfred Lawson, Jr. Multipurpose Center Box Office. There are 300 complimentary student tickets, but only one per student will be given out with student I.D. Cost for tickets range from $15-$35 depending on seating.
“When you hear [his music], it has all of Jazz’s intellectual things,” Parsons said. “But it’s got that soulful thing that makes your booty wanna move it in the chair.”