barcelona jazz orchestra
240 dpi (download) biografía en castellano
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The Barcelona Jazz Orchestra is the first permanent Jazz Big Band ensemble in the City of Barcelona. It was born in the autumn of 1996 at the Taller de Musics of Barcelona (one of the City’s Music Schools), with the purpose of making Jazz music accessible to all audiences.
The BJO mixes tradition and innovation, and is also committed to modernity and the newest tendencies, mixing the classic repertoire – Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Thad Jones, Dizzy Gillespie – with the work of contemporary composers and arrangers.
The orchestra features some of the most renowned musicians in the city (as well as from other parts of the world), like pianist Ignasi Terraza, saxophonists Víctor de Diego and Xavi Figuerola or the Parisian drummer Jean Pierre Derouard.
The ensemble’s musical direction is held by trombonist Dani Alonso, who leads the project with energy and vitality, keeping up with the job started by the band’s founder and former director, Oriol Bordas.
Since 1997 they have been cooperating with the Fundació La Caixa (the biggest savings bank in the Country) in the teaching sessions held at the Palau de la Música Catalana (the City’s classic concert hall). Currently they play on a regular basis at the Sala Apolo club, where they can be enjoyed by listeners and dancers alike.
Throughout its 10 years of existence, the BJO has performed at numerous concert halls and Jazz festivals in Spain and France. They have also been touring with some well-known Jazz stars and they have recorded with saxophonist Jesse Davis and trumpet star Nicholas Payton. They have also worked with Brad Leali and Lou Donaldson.
The Orchestra’s current projects include bookings and tours backing up American guests of the level of Frank Wess, Jesse Davis, Wendell Brunious, Dee Daniels, Ann Hampton Callaway, Benny Golson and British pop-superstar Tony Hadley.