October 18, 2009 2:00pm & 7:30pm
Winnipeg Art Gallery - www.wag.mb.ca
The Best of Basie
Drummer BUTCH MILES, and vocalist GARY GROSVENOR
The Count Basie Orchestra was the sound of swing, plain and simple. Basie's rhythm sections famously provided the rock solid foundation upon which the horns played blues-drenched call and response melodies. Our season-opener pays tribute to the Count Basie Orchestra by going to the source: Basie Band alumni BUTCH MILES. MILES has been called “the next Buddy Rich,” and “a monster swinger and tremendous soloist.” As the drummer of choice for Basie, Sinatra, Mel Tormé, Ella Fitzgerald, and countless others - you can see why.
November 8, 2009 2:00pm & 7:30pm
Winnipeg Art Gallery - www.wag.mb.ca
Let’s Dance
JANICE FINLAY, UofM vocalists
To be hip in the 1930’s and 40’s meant swinging to the music of Fletcher Henderson, Chick Webb, and Benny Goodman. Their music flooded the air waves and dance halls worldwide. WJO is pleased to welcome back saxophonist JANICE FINLAY who, alongside a trio of UofM vocalists - ERIN PROPP, RAYANNAH KROEKER, and VICTORIA MARSHALL - will join the orchestra for a program of big band gems. “Let’s Dance” to the great Swing Era hits that continue to make feet tap and hearts race.
December 13, 2009 2:00pm & 7:30pm
Winnipeg Art Gallery - www.wag.mb.ca
A Nat King Cole Christmas
DENZAL SINCLAIRE
Nat King Cole’s voice is synonymous with the Holidays. His silky smooth delivery made “The Christmas Song” a huge hit and it remains among the most popular holiday recordings of all time. WJO takes its show to a new venue and a new time for an evening of classic Nat King Cole favorites with Canadian vocalist and Verve recording artist DENZAL SINCLAIRE.
February 14, 2010 2:00pm & 7:30pm
Winnipeg Art Gallery - www.wag.mb.ca
Masters of Melody
Trombonist/bandleader DAVE MCMURDO and vocalist ANNA-LISA KIRBY
Gershwin, Kern, Porter, Rodgers - all masters of a melody and a thoughtful lyric. Some of our favorite things are timeless melodies such as these. Join the WJO and vocalist ANNA-LISA KIRBY for a Valentine’s Day program featuring classic hits from the American songbook. As a critically-acclaimed composer, featured guest DAVE MCMURDO has an appreciation for a beautiful melody. With his lyrical trombone and the WJO behind him, McMurdo’s rare talent for interpreting timeless favorites will make this a concert to remember.
March 21, 2010 2:00pm & 7:30pm
Winnipeg Art Gallery - www.wag.mb.ca
WJO’s West Side Story
RON ROBINSON, narrator
This is WEST SIDE STORY like you’ve never heard it before as the WJO continues a tradition of introducing unusual repertoire into the jazz realm. While the story unfolds through colourful narration, guest narrator RON ROBINSON and the orchestra transform Leonard Bernstein’s masterpiece into Big Band magic. Like Tony and Maria, WEST SIDE STORY and Big Band jazz just may belong together.
May 9, 2010 2:00pm & 7:30pm
Winnipeg Art Gallery - www.wag.mb.ca
Belgian Brass
Belgian trumpeter BERT JORIS
The WJO goes global for its season finale! Belgian trumpeter BERT JORIS has toured and recorded with Joe Lovano, been a featured guest of the Village Vanguard Orchestra, and performed with a long list of Europe’s top-tier jazz musicians. Hear one of Europe’s bright jazz stars in a thrilling season finale that shines the spotlight on the orchestra’s brass section. Bring a little swing to your Mother’s Day with the Winnipeg Jazz Orchestra.