In 2004-2005, the CJO explored everything from Broadway to Basin Street to celebrate the glory of jazz. Considered one of the world’s best jazz orchestras, the 32nd season of the CJO brought you another collection of wild parties that brought endless joy.

Season Sponsors: Greater Columbus Arts Council, Time Warner Cable, The Ohio Arts Council and The Columbus Foundation
Media Sponsors: Smooth Jazz 103.5, 10TV, and 90.5 WCBE

 

 

 

 

 PATTI AUSTIN

The Great American Songbook Series
September 24-25, 2004 | Southern Theatre

The CJO welcomed the Grammy-nominated vocal star, Patti Austin, to open the new “Great American Songbook” season in spectacular fashion. Since she began performing at the age of four, she has crossed all musical genres and has  released sixteen solo albums. The CJO along with Austin performed the classic works of Ella Fitzgerald and selections from Austin’s Grammy-nominated CD, “For Ella.”

Performers:
Artistic Director – Byron Stripling

Saxophones
Byron Rooker, Chad Eby, Michael Cox, Pete Mills, Steve Genteline

Trombones
Linda Landis, Ola Hanson, Jim Masters, Pat Lewis

Trumpets
Wes Orr, Bob Everhart, Bob Birkhimer, Jim Powell

Rhythm Section
Lou Fischer – Bass| Bob Breithaupt – Drums

THE JAZZ HIT PARADE

Featuring Dwight Lenox, Lew Tabakin, and Kenny Drew, Jr. 
Swingin’ at the Southern Series
October 27-31, 2004 | Southern Theatre

The “Swingin’ at the Southern” series began with a tribute to the great hits of jazz, featuring the fabulous saxophonist Lew Tabakin, and the dazzling pianist Kenny Drew, Jr., A Great American Jazz Piano Competition winner. Drew was joined by Byron Stripling and the CJO and local jazz vocalist Dwight Lenox in a toe-tapping set for all music fans. Selections included: Joe Turner Blues, It Don’t Mean a Thing (If It Ain’t Got That Swing), ‘Round Midnight, Flying Home, La Fiesta, Jumpin’ at the Woodside, Chelsea Bridge, Day by Day, Someday My Prince Will Come, Body and Soul, and Diminuendo and Crescendo in Blue.

Performers:
Artistic Director – Byron Stripling

Saxophones
Byron Rooker, Chad Eby, Michael Cox, Pete Mills, Steve Genteline

Trombone
Linda Landis, Ola Hanson, Jim Masters, and Pat Lewis

Trumpets
Wes Orr, Bob Everhart, Bob Birkhimer, Jim Powell

Rhythm Section
Chris Berg – Bass | Bob Breithaupt – Drums

HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS

Featuring Dave Powers, Bobby Floyd, and Mary McClendon
Swinging at the Southern Series
December 1 -5, 2004 | Southern Theatre

There was no place like home for the holidays this year. Local talent playing new arrangements brought holiday joy to all. Our holiday shows were quickly becoming a Columbus tradition for young and old alike. The CJO was joined on stage with YOUTHMET! a youth dance group that is versed in many styles. Selections included: A Child Is Born, Winter Wonderland, Jingle Bells, White Christmas, Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree, We Three Kings, O Christmas Tree, Hark! The Herald Angels Sing, and Deck The Halls.

Performers: Artistic Director – Bryon Stripling

Choreographer – April Berry, Louis Berry

Costumes – Aimee Greer

Music Programmer – Jay Alton

Saxophones
Byron Rooker, Chad Eby, Michael Cox, Pete Mills, Steve Genteline

Trombones
Linda Landis, Ola Hanson, Jim Masters, Pat Lewis
Trumpets
Wes Orr, Bob Everhart, Ben Huntoon  Jim Powell

Rhythm Section
Lou Fischer – Bass | Bob Breithaupt – Drums | Bobby Floyd – Piano | Dave Powers – Piano

Dancers
Lance Bryant, Louise Eiberle, Erika Harris, Ariel Dora Kohane, Aureyl Pitts

FATS, BASIE AND A LITTLE BIT OF DUKE

Featuring Mark Flugge and Ernie Andrews
The Great American Songbook Series
January 14-15, 2005 | Southern Theatre

To celebrate of 100 years of Fats Waller, Count Basie, and Duke Ellington the CJO presented a tribute to the masters of American music. Pianist Mark Flugge and veteran vocalist Ernie Andrews brought new life to this classic repertoire. Selections included:  Joint is Jumpin’, Tea for Two, I’ve Got a Feeling I’m Falling, Handful of Keys, Your Feet’s Too Big, Cute, Moten Swing, Things Ain’t What They Used to Be, Basie, and One O’Clock Jump.

Performers:
Artistic Director – Bryon Stripling

Saxophones
Byron Rooker, Chad Eby, Michael Cox, Pete Mills, Jay Miglia

Trombones
Linda Landis, Ola Hanson, Jim Masters, Pat Lewis

Trumpets
Wes Orr, Lenny Foy, Jim Powell Dwight Adams

Rhythm Section
Mark Flugge – Piano | Chris Berg – Bass | Bob Breithaupt – Drums

 

A NIGHT IN NEW ORLEANS

Featuring Evan Christopher and Henry Butler
Swingin’ at the Southern Series
February 16-20, 2005 | Southern Theatre

The CJO swang toward Mardi Gras with a real New Orleans treat. Talented young clarinetist Evan Christopher, winner of the 2003 Big Easy Award, joined New Orleans native and piano star Henry Butler in a tribute to the birthplace of jazz. Byron Stripling led the CJO in a swinging week of fun. Selections included: South Rampart Street Parade, Saint James Infirmary, Basin Street Blues, West End Blues, I Found a New Baby, You Are My Sunshine, Down by the Riverside/When the Saints Go Marchin’ In, Iko Iko, and Mardi Gras in New Orleans.

Performers:
Artistic Director – Byron Stripling

Saxophones
Byron Rooker, Chad Eby, Michael Cox, Hal Melia, Steve Genteline

Trombones
Linda Landis, Ola Hanson, Bill Gemmer, Pat Lewis

Trumpets
Wes Orr, Bob Everhart, Ben Huntoon, Jim Powell

Rhythm Section
Bobby Floyd – Piano | Lou Fischer – Bass | Bob Breithaupt – Drums

THE GREAT GERSHWIN

Featuring Ken Peplowski and Randy Sandke
Swingin’ at the Southern Series
March 16-20, 2005 | Southern Theatre

The CJO and Gershwin are always a winning combination, especially when combined with the great talent and wit of CJO fan-favorite, clarinetist Ken Peplowski. The feature concert of the year was a special arrangement of Porgy & Bess, originally written by Bob Haggart and featuring trumpet artist Randy Sandke. Selections included: Suite from “Porgy and Bess,” Strike Up the Band, Our Love Is Here to Stay, S’Wonderful, I’ve Got a Crush on You, They Can’t Take That Away From Me, How Long Has This Been Goin’ On?, and I Got Rhythm.

 

Performers:
Artistic Director – Bryon Stripling

Saxophones
Byron Rooker, Chad Eby, Michael Cox, Hal Melia, Steve Genteline

Trombones
Linda Landis, Bill Gemmer, Jim Masters, Pat Lewis

Trumpets
Wes Orr, Bob Everhart, Jim Powell, Tim Perdue

Rhythm Section
Mark Flugge – Piano | Chris Berg – Bass | Bob Breithaupt – Drums

THE ART OF THE BIG BAND

Featuring John Clayton and Kelly Crum Delaveris
Swingin’ at the Southern Series
April 20-24, 2005 | Southern Theatre

Concert Sponsor: Infiniti Of Columbus

John Clayton is well known for his composing, arranging, as well as his performing. In fact Clayton was the first person to compose a commissioned work for the CJO! The CJO showcased all of these talents during this wonderful concert. Selections included: You’d Be So Nice to Come Home To, Garôta de Ipanema (The Girl from Ipanema), Bye Bye Blackbird, Here’s That Rainy Day, Topsy, Afro-Latin Ballet Suite #1, ‘Deed I Do, Mood Indigo, Jody Grind, and The Color of Jazz—I. Primary, II. Byron Blue, and III. Sax-hue-phone.

Performers:
Artistic Director – Bryon Stripling

Saxophones
Byron Rooker, Chad Eby, Michael Cox, Pete Mills, Steve Genteline

Trombones
Linda Landis, Jim Masters, Ola Hanson, Pat Lewis

Trumpets
Wes Orr, Bob Everhart, Lenny Foy, Dwight Adams

Rhythm Section
Steve Schmidt – Piano | Lou Fischer – Bass | Bob Breithaupt – Drums

FROM BROADWAY TO HOLLYWOOD

Featuring Melba Moore
The Great American Songbook Series
May 20-21, 2005 | Southern Theatre

Concert Sponsor: DSW

The CJO welcomed Melba Moore, a unique voice that shined on Broadway stages for more than 30 years, received a Tony award, made numerous television appearances, starred in her Broadway one-woman show, and is a published author. Selections included: It’s Glory, Flute Salad, I Love Lucy, A Taste of Honey, Sing Sing Sing, Emancipation Blues, Birdland, and more pieces chosen by Ms. Moore.

Performers:
Artistic Director – Bryon Stripling

Saxophones
Byron Rooker, Chad Eby, Michael Cox, Hal Melia, Steve Genteline

Trombones
Linda Landis, Jim Masters, Ola Hanson, Pat Lewis

Trumpets
Wes Orr, Bob Everhart, Lenny Foy, Jim Powell

Rhythm Section
Mark Flugge – Piano | Lou Fischer – Bass | Bob Breithaupt – Drums

AIN’T NOTHIN’ BUT THE BLUES

Featuring  Willie Pooch, Doug Wamble, and Jeanette Williams-Brewer
Swingin’ at the Southern Series
June 8-12, 2005 | Southern Theatre

Concert Sponsor: AEP Ohio

A swingin’ big band and some down-home blues…CJO style. Guitarist and vocalist Doug Wamble has been turning heads and receiving attention from everyone from Wynton Marsalis to Cassandra Wilson, playing everything from traditional blues to bebop, all with a fresh approach. Wamble and the CJO were joined by two Columbus legends—Jeanette Williams-Brewer and Willie Pooch. Selections included: Go’ An’ Git It, Y’all, Work Song, Every Day I Have the Blues, Flying Home, You Got It, One Mint Julip, Blues for Stephanie, Empty Ballroom Blues, Let the Good Times Roll, How Blue Can You Get?, and Rainy Night in Georgia.

Performers:
Artistic Director – Bryon Stripling

Saxophones
Byron Rooker, Chad Eby, Michael Cox, Pete Mills, Steve Genteline

Trombones
Linda Landis, Jim Masters, Ola Hanson, Pat Lewis

Trumpets
Wes Orr, Bob Everhart, Lenny Foy, Dwight Adams

Rhythm Section
Bobby Floyd – Piano | Dan Faehnle – Guitar | Chris Berg – Bass | Bob Breithaupt – Drums