By Laura Eckles, KCCK Programming Intern

Dr. Damani Phillips, is the Assistant Professor of Jazz Studies and African-American Studies at the University of Iowa. He has earned Bachelor and Master of Music degrees from DePaul University and The University of Kentucky in classical saxophone; and a second Master of Music degree in Jazz Studies from Wayne State University. Phillips became one of the first African-Americans in the country to complete the Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Jazz Studies at the University of Colorado at Boulder. Phillips has performed with artists such as Lewis Nash, Christian McBride, Terrence Blanchard, Wycliffe Gordon, and more.

Damani Phillips music encompasses both old and new sounding jazz elements. He has released four albums over the past twelve years. Phillips likes to pick out lesser known compositions by famous jazz artists like Billy Strayhorn’s, “Isfahan,” which is featured on Phillips album, “The Reckoning (2012).” Philips released an album just last year, “Duality.” Phillips produces straight-ahead jazz with a hip hop twist on this album. He truly does an excellent job at connecting with audiences of all ages. If you listen carefully, you may even be able to hear “the lick” being used. Damani Phillips will be performing at the Iowa City Jazz Festival on Sunday, July 3, at 12 p.m. on the Main Stage.