Guitarist-Composer Denin Slage-Koch Debuts "Twang: Scenes From East Tennessee" Feb. 9

Guitarist and composer Denin Slage-Koch will premier a suite of new work blending modern jazz, folk and rock titled "Twang: Scenes from East Tennessee" at 7:30 p.m. Monday, Feb 9, in the Stella Boyle Smith Concert Hall in the Fine Arts Center.

A rising star in the jazz world, Slage-Koch has released several critically acclaimed albums and was a 2023 recipient of the prestigious Herb Alpert Young Composers Award. As an arranger and composer, he has contributed music for artists like Melissa Aldana, Kurt Rosenwinkel, Carmen Bradford, the Colorado Repertory Jazz Orchestra and the Knoxville Jazz Orchestra, among others.  

Slage-Koch's music has often highlighted programmatic themes, as his 2023 release "re: Manhattan Project" explored the story of the Manhattan Project, in which his hometown Richland, Washington, was deeply involved. "'Scenes from East Tennessee' represents a major step forward in my artistry and musicianship," Slage-Koch said. "I'm excited to premiere this new music at the University of Arkansas, especially as it brings the opportunity to explore the two-guitar format — rarely heard in improvised music."  

The concert will feature several U of A faculty members, including jazz area coordinator and guitarist Jake Hertzog. "Denin's beautiful work for two guitars represents an original and thrilling stream of modern jazz, and it's an honor to be a part of this premier," Hertzog said. "Guests of this caliber are fantastic for our jazz program and our institution."

Slage-Koch holds a Doctor of Arts in jazz studies from the University of Northern Colorado and has also received a Master of Music in jazz and contemporary media from the Eastman School of Music and a Bachelor of Arts in jazz studies from Whitworth University.

His visit to Fayetteville will also include a jazz masterclass (open to the public) at 3 p.m. Feb. 9 in the Billingsley Music Building, room 328, and visits to other Department of Music classes. This residency is sponsored in part by the Southeastern Conference Faculty Travel Program.

The concert will be held at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 9 at Stella Boyle Smith Concert Hall.

About Denin Slage-Koch: Guitarist and composer Denin Slage-Koch is renowned for his virtuosic technique, unique compositional voice and exciting improvisations. He has released three albums as a leader (re: manhattan project, Temporary Songs and It Comes in Waves), and he has been hailed by critics for his "pristine playing, meticulous composing," "very personal voice deserving of attention" and "elegant guitar lines." His work as a guitarist and composer includes collaboration with artists such as Rudresh Mahanthappa, Ryan Keberle, Shane Endsley, Carmen Bradford, Melissa Aldana, Gregory Tardy, Drew Zaremba, the Colorado Symphony and more. Slage-Koch holds degrees from the University of Northern Colorado, Eastman School of Music and Whitworth University and is a faculty member at the Natalie L. Haslam College of Music at the University of Tennessee.