This CD is a compilation of live recordings from the JazzMN's first four concerts presented in 1999 and 2000. Included are world-class performances by legendary clarinetist Buddy DeFranco (“Invitation,” “More Than You Know”), incendiary drummer Dave Weckl and tasteful pianist Bobby Peterson (Don Piestrup’s “New Blues,” John Coltrane’s “Moment’s Notice,” Michel Legrand’s “What Are You Doing the Rest of Your Life?”), and lead trumpeter John Harner (Ray Wetzel’s “Intermission Riff”). And what better way to highlight classic jazz in the Twin Cities than to open with local sax legend Irv Williams performing Tom Kubis’s definitive arrangement of "When You're Smiling"? Irv had just celebrated his 80th birthday! Also featured are thirteen soloists from the JazzMN Orchestra.
The JazzMN Orchestra is a nonprofit jazz arts organization and professional jazz orchestra based in Minnesota's Twin Cities area. Comprising 17 of the finest jazz soloists and ensemble players in the state of Minnesota, this remarkably versatile group performs in an annual concert series featuring international jazz artists, in addition to educational outreach events throughout the region.
The JazzMN Orchestra performs music familiar to general audiences and at the same time, introduces works, new and old, which lead listeners to discover the magic, mystery, beauty, and fire contained within the jazz art form. We invite you to share in this great adventure. Enjoy!
MUSICIANS ON THE CD
Featured Guest Artists:
Irv Williams, saxophone
Buddy DeFranco, clarinet
Dave Weckl, drums
Bobby Peterson, piano
John Harner, trumpet
Saxophones: Brian Grivna, Pete Whitman, Dave Karr, Kathy Jensen, Dave Hawley, Mark Henderson, Dave Saunders
Trumpets: Bob Hallgrimson, Bernie Edstrom, Dave Jensen, joe Cosgrove, Jamey Simmons
Trombones: Jeff Rinear, Dave Graf, Dean Sorenson, Wade Clark, Gerard Aliosio, Pete Enblom, Ethan Freier, Tom Matta
Rhythm Section: Laura Caviani-piano, Dave Singley-guitar, Gordon Johnson-bass, Phil Hey-drums
Bobby Peterson plays piano on "What Are You Doing the Rest of Your Life?", "New Blues" and "Moment's Notice".
Dave Weckl plays drums on "What Are You Doing the Rest of Your Life?", "New Blues" and "Moment's Notice".
HISTORY OF THE JAZZMN ORCHESTRA
The JazzMN Orchestra (originally JazzMN Big Band) was formed by Dr. Douglas Snapp in 1998 with a mission to “promote, preserve, and perpetuate America’s indigenous art music, jazz.” JazzMN followed the model of professional classical orchestras as well as established jazz orchestras striving to provide a model of excellence in performance and educational outreach.
JazzMN’s concert premier was in April 1999 at Saint Paul’s Fitzgerald Theater. The concert featured jazz clarinetist Buddy DeFranco along with the many talented musicians in the JazzMN Orchestra. Since that time, JazzMN has featured the following guest artists in its series:
1999-2000: Steve Vecchi, John Harner & Tom Matta, Dave Weckl
2000-01: Byron Stripling, Arturo Sandoval, James Moody,
2001-02: Ernestine Anderson, Phil Woods, Terry Gibbs
2002-03: Jon Von Ohlen, Paquito D'Rivera, New York Voices
2003-04: Joey DeFrancesco, Bob Mintzer, Slide Hampton
2004-05: Carl Saunders, Denis DiBlasio, Rob McConnell
2005-06: Ryan Kisor, Bob Florence, Peter Erskine
2006-07: Gordon Goodwin, Tom Peterson, Bill Homan
2007-08: Wayne Bergeron, Chris Vadala, Kevin Mahogany
2008-09: Conrad Herwig, Nicholas Payton, Ken Peplowski
2009-10: Ernie Watts, Fred Sturm, Bobby Shew
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