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Montclair Women's Big Band

The Montclair Women's Big Band is one of the most exciting and formidable jazz ensembles on the West Coast.

About Me

One of the West Coast's most exciting and dynamic jazz ensembles, the Montclair Women's Big Band was formed in 1998 by award-winning trumpeter Ellen Seeling, with saxophonist Jean Fineberg. The group has headlined sold-out events for The Grammy Foundation, The Kennedy Center, The San Francisco Jazz Festival and KCSM Radio. MWBB Members have performed with legendary pianist Marian McPartland on her nationally syndicated NPR show, “Piano Jazz” in 2007.

Based at the Montclair Women's Cultural Arts Club in Oakland, California, the band prides itself in providing high visibility for its outstanding soloists, many of whom are also leaders, composers and recording artists. Showcasing their original compositions, air-tight ensemble, high-energy rhythm section and big brassy sound, this powerful collection of performers consistently demolishes stereotypes of women jazz players.

The band's self-titled CD was released in 2005 to rave reviews in the Washington Post, JazzTimes Magazine, Jazziz Magazine, All About Jazz, and Coda Magazine. It remains a best-selling recording at CDBaby.com.