Soon after I moved to Westchester, six years ago, I heard of the newly formed WJO, and went to the concert, as I was in town for the next concert. I was bowled over with the professionalism, and found out that one of their trumpet players had been on the Woody Herman Orch less than two years after me! I have contually supported the group ever since, although I spend nine months on the road, but plan to continue to support them although I am seldom home for their concerts. More power to a fine musical organization!! Joe Lane
My favorite host on my favorite jazz radio station mentioned that he had just heard a wordclass jazz orchestra and mentioned it was in my county, Westchester County. I was amazed and immediately went online to find out more. I have been attending the WJO performances ever since. It is not often to find a group of musicians outside of a major metro area that are so gifted. The artistic director brings together such great talent, both arrangers and musicians. The programs are very well crafted and appeal to traditional jazz lovers as well as people who appreciate a more experimental sound. Loved their recent performance when they featured a music school's combo and singer and that they encourage attendance at their concerts by students by offering a very low admission price for them. They are way too much of a well-kept secret. With their mission, to educate and entertain, they need to be touted by fans and funders alike. Theirs should be a model other jazz orchestras follow.
Have been a fan of WJO for about 7 years. Always enjoy the varied and original programs performed in a great atmosphere. So lucky to have such an accomplished group of professional musicians right here in our back yard. Keep the music playing!
We came all the way from Brooklyn to hear the Westchester Jazz Orchestra for the first time back last winter, and were so impressed. We thought we were back in the city at Birdland listening to the Count Basie Band. Great sound; great professionals!! We will be back. Rick and Caroline Anderson, Brooklyn, NY
Been following, listening and thoroughly enjoying this world class big band perform for 7 years and they deserve all the kudos received to date. To see and hear this kind of jazz up close is a real treat and will Continue to help anyway possible to add funds to keep the music playing.
The WJO is a jewel in Westchester's crown. Having live performing arts of this caliber in our midst makes Westchester a great place to live and visit. The WJO swings with power and subletly. Fresh contemporary arrangements and grand-master musicians produce the full range of colors and emotions. Come on out and support the arts. Come hear the Westchester Jazz Orchestra. You'll be glad you did.
Great jazz in the suburbs for less than the price of a NYC club, and free parking too! We have been coming over the bridge from New Jersey for years to hear their concerts.
We have attended many concerts over the years, including the infamous Jazz Festival in New Orleans. After seeing the Westchester Jazz Orchestra , which was the music of Stevie Wonder and Ray Charles we can honestly say that it was beyond our expectations. What an incredible way to spend a Saturday Evening. Professional, classy and just plain awesome. We applaud Westchester Jazz Orchestra for their amazing talent and look forward to the up coming season. George and Diane Sabato
How fortunate we are to have the caliber of jazz delivered by the Westchester Jazz Orchestra here in Westchester. In fact, I'd compare it to anywhere! We were subscribers this past season for the first time and certainly will continue. Everything about their performances is top-notch. We are thrilled that we've discovered WJO right in our back yard. Lucky us!
WJO is a true gem. The orchestra brings a first class level of professionalism and creativity to Westchester. The arrangements are creative, fun and inventive. The musicians are remarkable in thier talent, experience and depth of capablilties. If you haven't been to a WJO concert you are in for a treat!!
WJO is one of the best jazz orchestras on the scene today. The musicians are top in their field, and the compositions and arrangements they play are amongst the best being written and performed anywhere today. This organization has a distinctive voice, and its commitment to supporting original new music is one of its most admirable features. The educational outreach programs are superb, and represent the best that any non-profit organization can offer.
Unlike most areas, New York is culturally blessed by the presence of some of the most talented jazz musicians and bands in the world. Anyone could treat himself to a night out to see some Jazz at Lincoln Center and would enjoy a wonderful show -- for a minimum of $55/ ticket! If you would like to see one of the world's great big bands for a fraction of the cost, then go see the local, nonprofit Westchester Jazz Orchestra right in your backyard. With a season of four concerts every year, there is ample opportunity to experience an evening of world-class entertainment. Each performance draws on a unique songbook, often including a special guest, such as John Scofield, Randy Brecker, or Joe Lovano. Conductor and Artistic Director Mike Holober is undeniably one of the greatest talents on today's jazz scene. As a writer, arranger, and conductor for WJO, Holober leads the band through a musical expedition that is like nothing else. Boasting some of today's most in-demand musicians and arrangers such as Tony Kadleck, Marvin Stamm, Ted Rosenthal, Jay Brandford, Ralph Lalama, Jason Rigby, and Harvie S (just to name a few), each concert leaves audiences in awe of the strength and intensity of what is emitted from the WJO's stage. I can't praise this band enough. You've got to hear them to believe it!!!
On a recent car trip in the NYC area, I was listening to local jazz radio station WBGO 88.3FM, and heard an absolutely gorgeous big band rendition of the jazz classic "Dolphin Dance". There are countless big band recordings out there, but this one stood out to me as being especially musical, swinging, and creative, not to mention beautifully recorded. Upon returning home, I went to WBGO's website to discover who it was, and was happy to learn that I had heard none other than the Westchester Jazz Orchestra. I've been telling friends about them ever since!
WJO concerts are always great. The music selection and arrangements are creative and original, and it's always a great night out. Best of all the musicians are all world class professionals who always give it 110%! Highly recommended especially if you're a serious jazz fan.