The Times

Issue date: 10/13/08 Section: Entertainment

Media Credit: Lim Pam Chris Cortez, well known Jazz guitarist has four solo released albums. Along with playing he also teaches intermediate and advanced jazz guitar studies.

Fine Arts Fridays returns to North with the Chris Cortez Quintet next week.

The thrilling guitarist and vocalist Chris Cortez performs Oct. 17 along with legendry bassist and composer Harvie S. His CD, Awakenings, is among the top 50 Grammy entries in 2007 for Best Contemporary Jazz Album and Best Instrumental Jazz solo. Cortez was named one of the winners in the 1996 Jazz Magazine Guitars on Fire contest. Harvie S. has performed and recorded with musicians Dr. Billy Taylor, Joe Lovano and James Moody.

Harvie S. owns over 200 recorded compositions, including Full Moon Dancer, It's About Time, New Beginning, Texas Rumba and Funky Cha.

Harvie S. also teaches internationally and is a bass professor at The Manhattan School of Music for both undergraduate and graduate studies.

Cortez said he is very excited to perform with Harvie S.

"The concert would be a blend of New York and local performers," Cortez said. "I already talked with Harvie over the phone, and we both are looking forward to this performance."

In a few weeks, Cortez and Harvie S. will begin working on an album together. Cortez hopes that performing together will help them to know each other better.

"Fine Arts Friday helps inspire and motivate music students," Music Professor Carol Morgan said. "It is a very good opportunity for them to meet professionals and get connections in the field."

She added that all our students, our staff and our community are welcome to attend Fine Arts Friday.

"Fine Arts Friday is one of the best programs offered by North campus, which provides, wide range of music and accomplished musicians for the fans," Edgar Moore, director of choral activities and a music professor at North, said. "The best thing about this program is it is very accessible. Anybody can come and enjoy fine music for free."

All concerts are Friday at noon in the auditorium of the Burleson Fine Arts Building on North.

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