 Larry Hammett Director of Guitar Studies at the University of Oklahoma and a recognized expert in both classical and jazz guitar, Hammett is in constant demand in both genre as both performer and accompanist, and one of very few guitarists today leading a successful double life in both classical and jazz guitar. He has been teaching at the college level since 1982, directing and teaching one of the most successful guitar programs in the country.
Hammett has performed and given master classes in France, Mexico, Argentina, and across the United States. He is a familiar face in the Norman jazz scene. As a recording artist for Beat Records, Rome, Italy, and Octo Arts, Quezon City, Philippines, his recordings are aired worldwide and licensed in the United States through Digital Cable Radio, Music Springs, 3M, and AEI. Releases include: Brazos Island (1992); The Larry Hammett Quartet (1995); and Genie Jones (2001). Dennis Borycki will join Hammett on keyboard. They have been described as “magical together.”
Borycki began playing organ at 7 years of age and earned a Masters degree in organ performance from the University of Oklahoma under the guidance of Mildred Andrews Boggess, but he was as much a fan of jazz piano as he was of pipe organ. Not long after college he began moonlighting as a jazz keyboardist in clubs around Oklahoma City, while also playing organ for services and weddings at local churches. In 1986, Borycki moved to Nashville and soon assumed keyboardist duties for country star Jerry Reed, touring with Reed for several years. Credits also include several European tours with country artist Billie Jo Spears, work on projects by Grammy winning vocalist Barbara Bailey Hutchison, violinists Conni Elisor and David Davidson, a stint with 1995 Grammy jazz nominee Jeff Kirk’s live ensemble. Drummer, Randy Coyne will complete the group. Jazz in the Depot Gallery is made possible in part by grants from the Norman Arts Council, the Oklahoma Arts Council and the National Endowment for the Arts. For further information, contact the Performing Arts Studio at 405-307-9320 (office hours are 8 am to 3 pm Tuesday through Friday and 1 to 5 Sunday.)
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