Though Jazz is the music saxophonist Jeff Coffin is most closely identified, his experience and passion extends well beyond the genre.
Coffin’s and his Mu’tet make dynamic, progressive sounds, most recently heard on the studio effort, Into the Air, which draws from mainly from modern and vintage Jazz. But Coffin first came to many music fans’ attention when he joined Bela Fleck’s Flecktones in 1997, a fittingly adventurous gig for the diverse musician/composer. Coffin left the Flecktones after he was invited to join the Dave Matthews Band full time, replacing late founding member LeRoi Moore in 2009.
As if he wasn’t busy enough, Coffin — who has also shared stage/studio time with everyone from McCoy Tyner and Branford Marsalis to Willie Nelson and Widespread Panic — is equally acclaimed as an educator and clinician, working with students of all ages around the world. “The spirit and breath of the music is what I take away from the listening and playing,” he says of his influences, which, collectively he dubs “Spirit Music.”
Coffin and his Mu’tet come to Northern Kentucky University Wednesday to share their musical wisdom and spirit. After an afternoon lecture and clinic for NKU music students, Coffin and Mu’tet perform an 8 p.m. concert at the school’s Fine Arts Center’s Greaves Concert Hall. Admission is $10 ($5 for students with ID). Visit nkuconnections.nku.edu for more info.
JEFF COFFIN performs Wednesday, Oct. 10 at the Greaves Concert Hall at Northern Kentucky University.
