The Jomie Jazz Guest Artist Series wrapped up its season with a performance from trumpet professor, performer and composer Pat Harbison.

Harbison is a professor of jazz studies at Indiana University Jacobs School of Music, where he joined the faculty in 1997. 

Harbison has also been on the faculty of the Jamey Aebersold Jazz Workshops since 1976 and has a close relationship with one of Marshall’s own.

“He is a former teacher of mine and very important in my career and I’m glad to share him with everybody here,” Marshall jazz professor Jeffrey Wolfe said.

The concert also showcased some Marshall talent as Harbison was accompanied by guitarist Nick Vassar, bassist Lars Swanson and drummer Jesse Nolan.

“It’s really fun for me, Harbison said. “I’ve known Jesse since he was a wee lad and it’s been great to meet and play with Nick and Lars. Jomie Jazz is terrific and a lovely space and I just really feel welcome here.”

This small ensemble and its experienced leader demonstrated many aspects of jazz music and concepts during Thursday’s performance.

The group played pieces from blues, to Brazilian bossa nova to a piece from a composer of German language operetta’s.

“Jazz musicians will play anything and throw jazz into it,” Harbison said. “That’s the thing, the process of jazz can be applied to darn near any song and over the years jazz musicians have done that to almost every tune.”

Although the Jomie Jazz Guest Artist Series has drawn to a close, the Marshall Jazz department still has plenty in store for the duration of      the semester.

The next performance will be by Jazz Combo III and IV Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. in Jomie Jazz Forum 103.

Leah Cook can be contacted at [email protected].