Jazz Articles about Temple Jazz Orchestra

like 263

Temple Jazz Orchestra: This Is TJO

by Jack Bowers
May 20, 2006

The Temple Jazz Orchestra, which began life about fifteen years ago as a part of the Jazz Studies program at Temple College, has evolved into a professional ensemble whose members include a number of the best big band musicians and educators in central Texas. The TJO was founded by its current director, Tom Fairlie, who triples as director/conductor of the Temple Symphony Orchestra and division director of Fine Arts at Temple College.

This is the TJO's third album. Unlike the ...

like 153

The Temple Jazz Orchestra: Soft Lights, Sweet Music Live!

by Jack Bowers
April 12, 2002

On first hearing, Soft Lights, Sweet Music left me shaking my head in disbelief. How, I wondered, could a Jazz ensemble from a two–year college in an undersized east–central Texas town possibly be that good? Something in the drinking water, perhaps? Seeking an explanation for the TJO’s remarkable proficiency, I turned to the liner notes and read the following: “Begun as a collaboration of students and adult musicians, the [TJO] has grown into a major professional ensemble. The mix is ...