“You Ain’t Heard Nothin’ Yet,” that was the theme for this 2005-2006 season and it had something for everyone. From the first show featuring the amazing Branford Marsalis to the last – a tribute to Ray Charles –the Columbus Jazz Orchestra’s 33rd season celebrated the roots of jazz and shared the shape of jazz to come. Highlights included vocal tributes to the Great Ladies of Swing and to Rosemary Clooney, jazz roots tributes include the CJO’s celebration of the great collaboration of Dizzy Gillespie and Charlie Parker in “Bird & Diz.”

Season Sponsor: Greater Columbus Arts Council, WBNB TV, Time Warner Cable, Ohio Arts Council, and The Columbus Foundation

Swingin’ with the CJO Series Sponsor: The Westin Columbus and The LOFTS

Media Partners: Classical WOSU-FM, NPR WOSU-AM, The Columbus Dispatch, Smooth Jazz WJZA, WCBE

 

REFLECTIONS OF ROSEMARY

Featuring Debby Boone
September 23-24, 2005 | Southern Theatre

Concert Sponsor: Creekside at the Village

Rosemary Clooney was an artist with such a beautiful voice she found work almost effortlessly. The success of Come On-A My House made her unbelievably successful almost overnight. Rosemary, along with being an amazing singer both on the radio and with big bands, is Debby Boone’s late mother-in-law. Debby, only a few years after Rosemary’s death, teamed up with the Columbus Jazz Orchestra to pay tribute to Rosemary’s life achievements through performing works. Selections included: Bugle Call Rag, Just In Time, Rockin’ Chair, Mack The Knife, and an Ellington Medley including Mood Indigo, I Got It Bad (And That Ain’t Good), and Things Ain’t What They Used To Be. Ms. Boone also selected songs from her album Reflections of Rosemary which were announced from the stage.

Performers:

Artistic Director – Byron Stripling
Guest Conductor – John Oddo

Saxophones
Byron Rooker, Chad Eby, Michael Cox, Jay Miglia, Steve Genteline

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

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

Rhythm Section
Tim Davis – Piano | Doug Richeson – Bass | Bob Breithaupt – Drums

BRANFORD MARSALIS & CJO

October 26-30, 2005 | Southern Theatre

Concert Sponsor: Infiniti of Columbus and Cityspace

The two most famous Marsalis brothers, Wynton and Branford, are known to even those who don’t listen to jazz. Known for his innovative spirit and broad musical scope, Branford recorded his first album, Scenes in the City, in 1984 for Columbia Jazz. The Columbus Jazz Orchestra was honored to play alongside Branford in this October concert. Selections included: Strike Up The Band, Just In Time, Quintessence, Blues for Astor, Flute Juice, Misty, Alright Okay You Win, Roll ‘Em Pete, Song Of The Underground Railroad, Infant Eyes, Alfie’s Theme, Sing Sing Sing, When It’s Sleepy Time Down South, and Bourbon Street Parade.

Performers:
Artistic Director – Byron Stripling

Saxophones
Byron Rooker, Chad Eby, Michael Cox, Shawn Wallace, Steve Genteline

Trombones
Linda Landis, Ola Hanson, Ryan Hamilton,  Pat Lewis

Rhythm Section
Bobby Floyd – Piano | Doug Richeson – Bass | Bob Breithaupt – Drums

HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS

Featuring Nelson Rangell and Kelly Crum Delaveris
November 30-December 4, 2005 | Southern Theatre

Concert Sponsor: Grange Insurance

Joining the Columbus Jazz Orchestra for the Columbus tradition, Home for the Holidays, was Nelson Rangell and Kelly Crum Delaveris. Rangell is a virtuoso on soprano, alto, and tenor saxophone, as well as flute and piccolo. Delaveris has been a regular on the Central Ohio music scene since she graduated from Upper Arlington High School singing with the Columbus Jazz Orchestra, the Columbus Symphony Orchestra, and as the opening act for Tony Bennett, Joan Rivers, Sarah Vaughan, and Buddy DeFranco. Selections included: Jingle Bells, A Child Is Born, Joy To The World, Hark! The Herald Angels Sing, Winter Wonderland, Merry Christmas Baby, Merry Christmas Darling, Please Come Home For Christmas, My Favorite Things, The Christmas Song, I Pray On Christmas, and Little Drummer Boy.

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, Jim Powell, Ben Huntoon

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

 

IN A MELLOW TONE

Featuring Regina Carter and John Clayton
The Great American Songbook Series
January 27-28, 2006 | Southern Theatre

Concert Sponsor: Columbus Fair Auto Auction

Guest conductor John Clayton returned to the stage to lead the orchestra and jazz violin sensation Regina Carter. In April 2005, the Columbus Jazz Orchestra debuted its first commissioned piece, “The Color of Jazz,” composed by Clayton. Clayton has also written and arranged music for Diana Krall, DeeDee Bridgewater, Natalie Cole, Milt Jackson, Nancy Wilson, Quincy Jones, Regina Carter, and others. Regina Carter began playing the violin at age 4 and released her debut album in 1995. She has worked with such jazz greats as Ray Brown, Max Roach, Wynton Marsalis, and Cassandra Wilson. Selections included: Eternal Triangle, Silver Celebration, Squatty Roo, What A Wonderful World, The Jody Grind, Heart And Soul, I Be Serious ‘Bout Dem Blues, Come Sunday, Bags’ Groove, Reverence, and I Thought About You.

Performers:
Artistic Director – Byron Stripling
Guest Conductor – John Clayton

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

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

Trumpets
Scott Belck, Bob Everhart, Jim Powell, Dwight Adams

Rhythm Section
Mark Flugge – Piano | Mark Sharfe – Bass | Bob Breithaupt – Drums

 

BIRD & DIZ

Featuring Jeff Clayton, Claudio Roditi, and Dena DeRose
Swingin’ at the Southern Series
February 15-19, 2006 | Southern Theatre

Two of the greatest jazz musicians of all time were saxophonist Charlie “Bird” Parker and trumpeter John “Dizzy” Gillespie. In honoring their contributions to jazz, the Columbus Jazz Orchestra was joined by saxophonist Jeff Clayton, trumpet star Claudio Roditi, and keyboardist and singer Dena DeRose. Selections included: Woody ‘n You, Con Alma, Honeysuckle Rose, Take the “A” Train, Lester Leaps In, ‘Round Midnight, Groovin’ High, Salt Peanuts, Bebop, How High The Moon, East Of The Sun (And West Of The Moon), If I Should Lose You, I Remember Diz, Night In Tunisia, and Ool-Ya-Koo.

 

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
Scott Belch, Bob Everhart, Jim Powell, Doug Pierece

Rhythm Section
Mark Flugge – Piano | Mike Sharfe – Bass | Bob Breithaupt– Drums

THE COTTON CLUB: THEN & NOW

Featuring Jeff Hamilton
Swingin’ at the Southern Series
March 22-26, 2006 | Southern Theatre

Concert Sponsor: Vorys, Sater, Seymore, and Pease LLP

These performances paid homage to the famous Harlem jazz nightclub the Cotton Club, starring drummer Jeff Hamilton of the Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra. Jeff Hamilton’s timing and creativity have allowed him to perform all over the world with  Ella Fitzgerald, Oscar Peterson, and countless others. Selections included: Take The “A” Train, Daybreak Express, I Can’t Give You Anything But Love, Minnie The Moocher, Clap Hands! Here Comes Charlie!, I Got Rhythm, Harlem Congo, Won’t You Come Home Bill Bailey?, Easy Money, Maz, Back Home Again In Indiana, Epistrophy, Salt Peanuts, and Battle Royal.

Performers:
Artistic Director – Byron Stripling

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

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

Trumpets
Wes Orr, Bob Everhart, Jim Powell, Jack Schantz

Rhythm Section
Mark Flugge – Piano | Doug Richeson – Bass | Bob Breithaupt – Drums

JAZZ MOVES

Featuring Columbus Jazz Orchestra and BalletMet

Swingin’ at the Southern Series
April 26-30, 2006 | Ohio Theatre

Production Support: Greater Columbus Arts Council and National Endowment for the Arts

This adventurous collaboration celebrated the history of Columbus jazz in music and dance. Columbus’ own Bobby Floyd and saxophone legend Gene Walker joined the Columbus Jazz Orchestra for this spectacular production, which included new compositions and choreography, at the Ohio Theatre. Byron Stripling, the Artistic Director of the Columbus Jazz Orchestra, was quoted saying it was “Like Basie Dancin’ with Balanchine.” Selections included: Reflections, 20s/30s, Be Bop, The Ballrooms, Topsy, Soul Search, Unity, Testify, Emergence, Rush Hour, The Avenue, Separation, Latin, Percussion, and Vision.

Performers/Artistic Contributors:
Artistic Director – Byron Stripling
BalletMet Artistic Director – Gerard Charles
Ballet Mistress – Rebecca Rodriguez
Ballet Master – Hisham Omardien

Chroeographers
Ry Duncan, Stella Hiatt Kane, Harrison McEldowney, Margo Sappington, Ry Skinner

Company Dancers
Erin Christy Barnard, Adrienne Benz, Christian Broomhall, Jessica Brown, Olivia Clark, Katrina Dalton, Jamie Brianne Dee, Justin Gibbs, Emily Gotschall, Darrius Gray, Adam Hundt, Annie Malonee, Christine Mangia, Bethany Manley, Hisham Omardien, Jimmy Orrante, Jennifer Owen, Ian Poulis, Emily Ramirez, Derek Sakakura, Jackson Prescott Sarver, Dmitri Suslov, Tracy Thayer, David Tlaiye, Rolph Ward, Sonia Welker, Carie West, Jeff Wolfe,  Hitomi Yamada

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

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

Trumpets
Wes Orr, Bob Everhart, Jim Powell, Dwight Adams

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

ELLA, BILLIE, SARAH – GREAT LADIES THAT SWING!

Featuring Dee Daniels
The Great American Songbook Series
May 12-13, 2006 | Southern Theatre

Concert Sponsor: Alliance Data

The sensational Dee Daniels swung away for this last Songbook concert of the series in a special tribute to Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday and Sarah Vaughn, three of the greatest female vocalists in jazz history. Daniels is a dynamic vocalist, and whether singing in intimate jazz clubs or fronting a big band orchestra, her full-bodied tones and four-octave range have won her legions of fans and rave reviews throughout the world. Selections included: The Comeback, Brazil, Big Dipper, Lover, Black Brown and Beautiful, I’m Just a Lucky So and So, Oye Como Va, This Could Be The Start Of Something Big, But Not For Me, Who Can I Turn To?, Night In Tunisia, Our Love Is Here To Stay, Don’t Get Around Much Anymore, That’s Life, and I Got This Bridge.

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, Jim Powell, Dwight Adams

Rhythm Section
Erik Augis – Piano | Chris Richeson – Bass | Bob Breithaupt – Drums

THE BIRTH OF RHYTHM AND BLUES

Featuring Bobby Floyd, Gene Walker, Milton Ruffin, Jeanette Williams Brewer & Willie Pooch

Swingin’ at the Southern Series
June 7-11, 2006 | Southern Theatre

Concert Sponsor: Huntington

The Swingin’ series concluded with a jazz tribute to Ray Charles, starring Bobby Floyd, Gene Walker, and vocalist Milton Ruffin recreating Charles’ most recognizable hits in Columbus Jazz Orchestra style. As Ray Charles himself stated, “I didn’t write jitterbugs or twists, I wrote rhythms that moved me. My style requires pure heart singing.” This is precisely what was delivered by the talented guest artists alongside the CJO. Selections included: Roll ‘Em Pete, Chicken Ain’t Nothin’ But A Bird, You Rascal You, Caldonia, Flying Home, Mess Around, America The Beautiful, (You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman, Dr. Feelgood (Love Is A Serious Business), Let The Good Times Roll, You Are The Sunshine of My Life, What’d I Say, Georgia On My Mind, and Tutti Frutti/Shout.

 

Performers/Artistic Contributors:
Artistic Director – Byron Stripling

Saxophones
Byron Rooker, Chad Eby, Michael Cox, Shawn Wallace, Steve Genteline

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

Trumpets
Wes Orr, Bob Everhart, Jim Powell, Dwight Adams

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