The Magic Triangle Jazz Series, produced by WMUA, 91.1FM and Residential Arts, is dedicated to bringing high quality, creative music to the University. The 12th season begins February 22 in Bezanson Recital Hall with a performance by William Parker and the 15-piece Little Huey Creative Music Orchestra. Over the past three decades, bassist and composer William Parker has established himself as one of the premier improvising musicians on the international scene. "If the Tone World really is out there," wrote R. Dante Sawyer in Jazziz "perhaps one of the easiest ways to catch a glimpse of it is through witnessing a performance by Parker's Little Huey Creative Music Orchestra."

The magic continues on March 29 in Bezanson Recital Hall with a solo concert by Sam Rivers. Performing on tenor and soprano saxophone, piano, flute and voice, Rivers is one of the most original improvisors on the planet. His five Blue Note recordings, and sessions he made with Larry Young, Bobby Hutcherson and Andrew Hill, herald the shift from bop to something else. River's live solo project, "Portrait", (FMP, 1995), is described by the Penguin Guide as, "a magnificent testament to his creative range, his generosity of spirit, and his great, great intelligence."

The Magic Triangle Series concludes Thursday, April 12, 2001 with a special Bowker Auditorium performance by the Yusef Lateef Quintet, featuring Von Freeman. We are proud to join the entire community in celebrating one of its favorite citizens in his 80th year. A professor at the University and long-time Pioneer Valley resident, Lateef's discography includes startling recordings for Savoy, Riverside, Prestige, Implulse, Atlantic and his own YAL label. Joining Lateef will be veteran Von Freeman, a tenor saxophone legend who has mentored three generations of Chicago musicians.

Photo: William Parker, appearing with the Little Huey Creative Music Orchestra on Feb. 22.