Westchester, NY – The 16-piece Westchester Jazz Orchestra has risen to prominence for their “stunning performances” and “brilliant ensemble playing” (Jazz Journal) — and for the 150-plus new arrangements commissioned by the group. On Saturday, December 1, WJO will treat fans to the best of these works in “10th Season Retrospective: Our Greatest Hits.” Jazz radio personality Gary Walker will host the concert, which begins at 8pm at the Irvington Town Hall Theater, Irvington, NY.
While Artistic Director Mike Holober is on a conducting assignment in Europe, WJO will introduce their first guest conductor, the multi-Grammy-winning arranger, conductor and pianist Alan Broadbent.
Mr. Broadbent, who recently moved to New York from California, has enjoyed a storied career working with jazz and pop luminaries – including Sir Paul McCartney, Chet Baker, Diana Krall and Glen Frey – and leading his own highly-regarded small groups. His two Grammy wins are for arrangements written for Natalie Cole and Shirley Horn. In 2007 he was awarded the Order of Merit by his native New Zealand.
Mr. Broadbent has already written arrangements for WJO and, most recently, played piano at the group’s September performance.
“The players of the WJO are among the best in the world,” said Mr. Broadbent. “The best thing I can do for them as a guest conductor is to step to the side and let them play. I'll have the best seat in the house!"
Through the years, WJO has breathed big band life into compositions by jazz stalwarts John Coltrane, Herbie Hancock, Wayne Shorter and Cannonball Adderley. The group has also put its spin on Brazilian music and American pop. This concert will display the full range of WJO’s repertoire. A particular highlight will be pieces from WJO’s exquisite and critically-acclaimed Maiden Voyage Suite album, released last year.
WJO’s 2012-13 season continues on February 2 with Top Pops: WJO Covers Dylan, Joni and Sweet Baby James and on April 27 with Special Guest Paquito D’Rivera. WJO’s concerts are partially funded by the New York State Council on the Arts, ArtsWestchester, The Westchester Bank and the Aaron Copland Fund for Music.
Reserved seating tickets are $40 for adults, $35 for seniors and $15 for students. Subscription rewards and group discounts are available. westjazzorch.org, Irvington Theater box office, 914-591-6602. WJO: 914-861-9100.
While Artistic Director Mike Holober is on a conducting assignment in Europe, WJO will introduce their first guest conductor, the multi-Grammy-winning arranger, conductor and pianist Alan Broadbent.
Mr. Broadbent, who recently moved to New York from California, has enjoyed a storied career working with jazz and pop luminaries – including Sir Paul McCartney, Chet Baker, Diana Krall and Glen Frey – and leading his own highly-regarded small groups. His two Grammy wins are for arrangements written for Natalie Cole and Shirley Horn. In 2007 he was awarded the Order of Merit by his native New Zealand.
Mr. Broadbent has already written arrangements for WJO and, most recently, played piano at the group’s September performance.
“The players of the WJO are among the best in the world,” said Mr. Broadbent. “The best thing I can do for them as a guest conductor is to step to the side and let them play. I'll have the best seat in the house!"
Through the years, WJO has breathed big band life into compositions by jazz stalwarts John Coltrane, Herbie Hancock, Wayne Shorter and Cannonball Adderley. The group has also put its spin on Brazilian music and American pop. This concert will display the full range of WJO’s repertoire. A particular highlight will be pieces from WJO’s exquisite and critically-acclaimed Maiden Voyage Suite album, released last year.
WJO’s 2012-13 season continues on February 2 with Top Pops: WJO Covers Dylan, Joni and Sweet Baby James and on April 27 with Special Guest Paquito D’Rivera. WJO’s concerts are partially funded by the New York State Council on the Arts, ArtsWestchester, The Westchester Bank and the Aaron Copland Fund for Music.
Reserved seating tickets are $40 for adults, $35 for seniors and $15 for students. Subscription rewards and group discounts are available. westjazzorch.org, Irvington Theater box office, 914-591-6602. WJO: 914-861-9100.
