The Southwest Jazz Orchestra

In 2004, the Southwest Jazz Orchestra became a 501(c)3 non profit organization with a Board of Directors and the goal of establishing “...a standing orchestra of up to sixteen exceptional New Mexico jazz musicians who present what is often called ‘America’s classical music,’ focusing on the work of great jazz composers such as Charles Mingus, Gerry Mulligan and John Coltrane.” Four years later, the SJO is going strong having performed in many clubs in Santa Fe and Albuquerque and other prestigious concerts such as the New Mexico Jazz Workshop’s Jazz Under the Stars Series at the Albuquerue Museum Amphiteater. While the orchestra has included numerous fine musicians over the last four years, its core remains solid with three players who have been with the band since the beginning: guitarist, Michael Anthony, former LA jazz and studio musician; saxophonist, Bill Wood, UNM Professor of Theory and Composition for over 40 years; and trumpet player Jan McDonald, Santa Fe’s all-around trumpet player and teacher who’s at home in either classical or jazz. The rest of the personnel include Cindy Tag, Aaron Lewis, and J. R. Williams on reeds; Debbie Taylor, trombone; Chris Allen, vibes; Paul Brown, bass; and Rick Compton, drums. The SJO was founded and is directed by Jack Manno, former studio singer from New York, pianist, arranger and composer whose credits include recording work with Judy Garland, Harry Belafonte, Leonard Bernstein, Perry Como, Duke Pearson, and many others.

$17/$12 Members & Students. Available in advance, by phone or in person, at the Outpost Performance Space (268-0044)