Jazz Articles

Chicago Jazz Philharmonic: Collective Creativity

by Edward Blanco
October 15, 2009

The long awaited debut by the Chicago Jazz Philharmonic, Collective Creativityhas been described as a “genre-blending" piece of work, combining the percussive elements of jazz with the graceful sophistication of classical music, fused in one big band/symphonic project. Under the direction of conductor and producer Orbert Davis, the CJP is a 55-plus piece symphonic jazz orchestra established as a “501 ( c ) 3" not-for-profit organization, from an invitation by The Chicago Jazz Institute to Artistic Director Davis, providing world-class ...

Chicago Jazz Philharmonic: Collective Creativity

by Lyn Horton
September 20, 2009

Defining the fine line that often borders jazz and classical music has elicited much debate. One musician has even registered the word “jazzical" as a term that insures the framework in which the music he writes will be perceived.

But trumpeter, studio musician and composer, Orbert Davis does not need to think this way. He simply designed Collective Creativity, the fifty-five piece Chicago Jazz Philharmonic's debut album, wrote most of the music, and put it out there. Only in the ...

Chicago Jazz Philharmonic: Collective Creativity

by Bridget A. Arnwine
August 5, 2009

"Is it classical or is it jazz?" That is the question found on the Chicago Jazz Philharmonic's (CJP) website; a question that is asked and followed with the statement “you decide," as if the answer were something that only a listener should determine. Listening to the CJP's debut, Collective Creativity, the decision is not an easy one to come by. Though the album begins with trumpeter/composer/conductor Orbert Davis's own “Fanfare for Cloud Gate," a piece commissioned by ...