Jazz Articles

The JazzMn Big Band: When You're Smiling

by Jack Bowers
February 1, 2001

The band’s name is no misprint; “JazzMn” is shorthand for Jazz Minnesota, which in turn is another name for swinging, contemporary big–band Jazz with a midwestern accent. JazzMn is actually a non–profit alliance formed in 1998 to “promote, preserve and perpetuate America’s indigenous art music, Jazz” — something the JazzMn Big Band sets about doing with remarkable proficiency and poise on its impressive debut album. Even more remarkable is the fact that When You’re Smiling was recorded in concert, leaving ...