January 29, 2010
by Emily Tabin
The 16-piece Westchester Jazz Orchestra is a local orchestra with a national reputation for excellence. This Saturday, January 30, this world-class big band will perform From Bossa to Tango: Sounds of South America at 8:00 p.m. at the Irvington Town Hall Theater, 85 Main Street, Irvington, NY. WBGO’s Gary Walker is set to host the concert.
Long before the bossa nova craze of the 1960s, musicians from North and South America influenced and inspired each other. In this concert, WJO recreates well-loved bossas and sambas, while also delving into Brazilian Choro and Maxixi, Tango from Argentina and Candombe from Uruguay.
“We are excited to showcase the extraordinary music of South American composers like Astor Piazzolla from Argentina and Antonio Carlos Jobim from Brazil,” explained WJO’s Artistic Director Mike Holober. “Our stunning arrangements feature invigorating rhythms and beautiful settings for WJO’s soloists. We will have guests – on guitar, percussion and bandoneón – who will enhance the authenticity of the evening.”
Reserved seating tickets are $35 for adults, $30 for seniors and only $5 for students. Group discounts are available. For tickets, go to www.westjazzorch.org, or call 914-861-9100. Tickets may also be obtained through the Irvington Theater box office at 914-591-6602. The concert snow date is Sunday, January 31 at 3:00 p.m.
Accolades for Westchester Jazz Orchestra
WJO’s debut CD, All In, thrust WJO into the national spotlight. The CD made multiple “Best CDs” lists, was celebrated by critics and placed #50 in radio airplay of jazz CDs across the United States during 2008.
WJO has also been lauded by jazz musicians of the highest caliber. Bassist John Patitucci calls WJO “a fantastic ensemble, world-class, yet right in our own New York backyard.” Saxophonist Joe Lovano describes the group as “one of the hippest bands on the scene today, exploring all kinds of music with a fresh approach.”
WJO will close their 2009-10 season on April 10 with the world-premiere of the group’s first commissioned original work, whose creation was funded with a grant from the New York State Council on the Arts.
WJO’s performance season is partially funded by NYSCA, ArtsWestchester, the Aaron Copland Fund for Music and numerous individuals.
Emily Tabin is the executive director of the Westchester Jazz Orchestra. She can be reached at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Photo by Seth Glassman
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