Southwest Jazz Orchestra

In May of 1993, jazz pianist, vocalist, composer and arranger Jack Manno formed a jazz woodwind ensemble, which performed in Albuquerque at the University of New Mexico’s Keller Hall as well as at the Unitarian Church in Santa Fe. Nine years later, in 2002, he organized The Monk Project, a large-ensemble tribute to Thelonious Monk featuring compositions and arrangements by orchestra members. The Monk Project performed for large and enthusiastic audiences both in Santa Fe and Albuquerque. These two projects were the seeds from which sprouted Manno’s Southwest Jazz Orchestra (SJO). In 2004, SJO 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.” SJO has a continuing Monday Jazz Series at the Second Street Brewery in Santa Fe and has also performed at Madrid’s Jazz for Peace Day. Plans are currently underway for a 2006 concert featuring the music of Gerry Mulligan with guest artist Eddie Daniels. Tonight’s SJO performance will be their first in Albuquerque and is being called Music of the Masters: Mingus, Monk & Mulligan. SJO Founder, Board President and Musical Director, Jack Manno left a significant career in New York (including work with Leonard Bernstein, Harry Belafonte and Judy Garland) to live in the American Southwest. He has enriched the musical contributions of the Santa Fe Desert Chorale, Bill Evans Dance Company and New Mexico Jazz Workshop through his compositions and performances. SJO members include Jack Manno, vocalist, arranger, composer; Dave Anderson, Arlen Asher, Cindy Tag and Bill Wood, reeds; Jan McDonald, Ed Ulman, brass; Chris Allen, vibes; Chris Ishee, piano; Michael Anthony, guitar; Mark Tatum, bass; and Douglas Cardwell, drums.

$15/$10 Members. Available in advance, by phone or in person, at the Outpost Performance Space (268-0044)