Jazz Studies Students Record Original Works in Chicago
Chicago Recording Studio Donated Time and Facilities to Students

[March 14, 2018] 

LINCOLN

Jazz studies students at Lincoln College took their original compositions to Chicago March 6, where they spent the day recording in a professional studio atmosphere.

Rick Barnes, the owner of Rax Trax recording studio donated his time and facilities to Lincoln College to give the students a day of hands-on experience with a professional recording studio.

“This was a great opportunity for our students to learn from one of the best known and most talented music producers in Chicago,” said Denise La Grassa, lead faculty for the Jazz Studies program at Lincoln College. “Rick generously donated his talents and studio time, working individually with each student. They gained studio experience and we were able to have two of their original compositions professionally produced.”

The public will have a chance to hear these and additional original compositions live during the Spring Jazz Revue on April 26-27, “Beat Bop & Box.”

“In the Jazz Studies program, I encourage our students to draw on their own experiences to make music that will be relevant and entertaining for the next generation,” La Grassa said. “The studio recording session gave our students an opportunity that they would not ordinarily have and I really appreciate Rick’s generous donation of his time and facilities.”

Lincoln college jazz instructors Stephen Jackson and Erik Swanson also accompanied the students to the studio and provided studio musician services for the students.

While in Chicago, La Grassa took the students to a live jazz performance at Andy’s Jazz Club and also toured WTTW/Chicago Public Media and WLS/NBC Chicago

In addition to operating Rax Trax, Barnes teaches music at Columbia College and is a guitarist with the Nicholas Tremulis Orchestra. At Rax Trax, Barnes has worked with a staggering list of clients, including Chicago blues legend Koko Taylor, the Smashing Pumpkins, Cheap Trick’s Bun E. Carlos, Ice Cube, Brian Wilson, Buddy Guy, George Thorogood, Alan Parsons, Darryl Jones of the Rolling Stones, and many others.

Aja Stokes:

Christian Lloyd

Rashann Ford

Sean Sheldon

[Mark Gordon
Public Relations and Media Manager
Lincoln College]