May 9 through May 15 - 2005
Celebrate four decades of innovative jazz orchestra music with the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra in a special week-long tribute to Thad Jones and Mel Lewis at the Village Vanguard. Special guests will include Slide Hampton, Jon Faddis and Tom Harrell. The week will also include premiers of new music, archival finds, educational programs, free events and a preview of the new VJO/Jim McNeely CD.
Monday May 9, 2005
THE DEFINITIVE THAD JONES
An All Thad Jones night featuring music that defined a new era of big band jazz composition and redefined the importance of the jazz orchestra. The Monday night legacy continues with two sets of classic Thad Jones.
Tuesday May 10, 2005
FROM THE BOOK
Both Thad and Mel encouraged other composers to write for the band. This philosophy served to keep the musical identity evolving and the spirit of the band alive. Tuesday night will showcase the depth and diversity of the VJO book and feature Slide Hampton as guest artist performing music from the VJO's Grammy award winning CD The Way, Music of Slide Hampton.
Wednesday May 11, 2005
MOVING FORWARD
When Thad left for Europe and Mel decided to keep the band moving forward he brought in Bob Brookmeyer as composer-in-residence. Wednesday night will focus on Brookmeyer¹s contribution to the orchestra and feature Tom Harrell as guest artist.
Thursday May 12, 2005
CONTINUING THE LEGACY
The music of VJO pianist and composer-in-residence, Jim McNeely expands the musical vocabulary of his predecessors, Thad Jones and Bob Brookmeyer. Thursday night will feature the VJOs collection of Jim McNeely compositions including music from the Grammy nominated CD Lickety Split, premiers of new compositions commissioned by the band and a preview of the new VJO/Jim McNeely CD.
Friday and Saturday May 13 and 14 2005
THE BAND
Two nights of classic and adventurous big band music with special guests, rare musical treats, world premiers and music from the VJOs award winning, GRAMMY nominated recordings.
Sunday, May 15, 2005
THAD JONES LEGACY
Thirty years ago a large number of Thad Jones arrangements were considered lost forever. Thanks to generous support from the American Music Center, the National Endowment for the Arts and the National Association of Recording Arts and Sciences the lost music is back in the book. The Sunday night finale will focus on the rediscovered music of Thad Jones.
ADDITIONAL PROGRAMS:
PRECEPTS OF SWING EDUCATIONAL COMPONENT
The focus of Precepts of Swing is to share the orchestra's talent, expertise and vision in the nurturing of jazz players. The interactive workshop/performance program is based on a selection of arrangements from the orchestra's repertoire. Using this as a framework, band members discuss topics dealing with all aspects of ensemble playing, improvisation and the art of listening.
Friday, May 6 2005 4:00 p.m.
An afternoon workshop/performance program for high school students and high school jazz ensemble directors at LaGuardia High School of the Arts in Manhattan.
Friday, May 13 2005 4:00 p.m.
An afternoon workshop/performance program as part of CUNY Jazz Festival 2005 at City College of New York.
VJO @ CUNY JAZZ FESTIVAL 2005
A Celebration of Jazz and Jazz education presented by the Simon H. Rifkind Center for the Humanities and The Department of Music at the City College of New York.
Thursday, May 12 2005 at 6:00 p.m.
FREE ADMISSION
The City College Jazz Orchestra with special guests Rich Perry and Scott Wendholt from the VJO.
Friday, May 13 2005 at 6:00 p.m.
FREE ADMISSION
The VJO performs a free concert at City College prior to their 9:00 p.m. downbeat at the Village Vanguard.
For more information contact All About Jazz.
