 |
      
 Promote Your Page Too
|
n|
CONCERT JAZZ ORCHESTRA
It sure seems that George Gee has come full-circle several times in the past two decades as a bandleader. While always keeping a swingin', danceable repertoire; the band has sometimes taken diversions into the "jazz" world by performing music outside of the "swing" realm. "But the music always had to be swingin' - bottom line!" exclaims Gee. When he returned to New York City in the early 1990s and before everybody was swingin', The Make-Believe Ballroom Orchestra ventured into jazz clubs (the former Yardbird Suite, Metropolis, Birdland, West End Gate, Iridium, Sweet Basils and The Village Gate) and executed jazz charts that wasn't always dancer-friendly (imagine that??!!). Then in the mid-90s, folks realized that George was not really "behind the times" with his music, but actually "ahead of his time!" George Gee's Swingin' Big Bands became one of the hottest commodities in the swing and lindyhop world. It's driving rhythm, solid ensemble work, inspiring soloists and bluesy backdrop became the foundation for George's hep antics upfront - a connection between the musicians and the audiences that has been a honest, proven, successful formula everywhere in their travels.
Now in 2002, George is adding The 17 piece Concert Jazz Orchestra as part of his Swingin' Big Bands family. A natural progression, this powerhouse ensemble features jazz compositions and arrangements by Frank Foster, Benny Powell, Cecil Bridgewater, Thad Jones, Stan Kenton, Ernie Wilkins, Neal Hefti, Charles Mingus, Slide Hampton, Jimmy Heath, John Clayton, Thelonious Monk, among many other notable greats. It also becomes a showcase of original music created by the band's musical directors Lance Bryant and Walt Szymanski. Soloists are given the opportunity to express themselves and the band revels in it's roster of fantastic New York City Big Band jazz musicians. A living, breathing, evolving entity - The George Gee Concert Jazz Orchestra never forgets the roots and joy of swing. 
|
