by Chuck Reider

Classical Tahoe is bringing the Brubeck Jazz Summit to Sierra Nevada University this summer which is the main event for this month’s column, but first a Reno Jazz Orchestra (RJO) update...

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Student musicians are invited to join us for 8 Saturday sessions to work in small groups, learn jazz tunes by ear, improvise, and learn music theory. Students will learn from Dylan Coleman and members of the RJO. The sessions begin March 14, 2020 and culminate in two concerts opening for the RJO on May 30th and 31st, 2020.

Read the Details & Sign-up

It was another fun and educationally-filled day as students throughout Northern Nevada came to UNR's Nightingale Hall to stop, look, listen, and perform all day long.

Capping the day was a performance by The Collective (comprised of UNR Music Educators) and RJO members who shared their tribute to Oliver Nelson.

Watch the Channel 2 News Video

We closed this year with “Home for the Holidays” featuring husband and wife Bob McChesney and Calabria Foti. McChesney is a phenomenal jazz trombonist and Foti a masterful vocalist and violinist. You have heard them on a multitude of recordings, television, and film scores and are both recording artists in their own right. The Reno Youth Jazz Orchestra opened the shows and the Hot Holly Dolls lead by Leslie Fudge were special guests. Both shows at the Cargo Concert Hall at the Whitney Peak Hotel were sold out!

Both Shows Were Sold Out!

On November 8 and 9, 2019 Reno Youth Jazz Orchestra Director, Vern Scarbrough guest conducted the Reno Jazz Orchestra’s November concerts and feature the music of Stan Kenton. He was one of the legendary bandleaders like Duke Ellington and Count Basie who elevated big bands from the dance hall to the concert hall each with their own distinctive sound.

For four decades Stan led his innovative and influential band and pioneered jazz education with his Stan Kenton Jazz Camp established in 1959.

Both Shows Were Sold Out!

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September 7th, 21st & 28th
October 5th, 12th, 19th & 26th
November 2nd
 
Concert: November 8th & 9th

Workshop Information

Student musicians are invited to join us for 8 Saturday sessions to work in small groups, learn jazz tunes by ear, improvise, and learn music theory. Students will learn from Dylan Coleman and members of the RJO.

Cost: $80 for all 8 sessions or $15 per session.

Info & Registration

Two Performances

With a fourteen-year run atop the DownBeat Critics Poll, a dozen GRAMMY nominations, a GRAMMY award and eight Jazz Journalists Association awards for "Male Singer of the Year," jazz vocalist Kurt Elling gave us a standout performance accompanied by the 18-piece Reno Jazz Orchestra. His music and wit appeared to the full range of music lovers, from the novice jazz fan to the most jaded jazz hipster. Elling does not regularly perform with big bands so this was a real treat for all to experience a super-star performance with this virtuoso vocalist and compelling storyteller featured with the RJO.

Visit Kurt Elling's Official Website

Our Board Member and GRAMMY Award winning engineer, Michael Eardley produced a fun 30 second TV spot for the Kurt Elling concert. Take a look and see a clip of Kurt Elling on stage doing what he does so well.

And don't forget to purchase your tickets for one or both of the upcoming performances:

AUGUST 30, 2019
7:30 PM
PIONEER CENTER, RENO NV

AUGUST 31, 2019
7:30 PM
TREPP AMPHITHEATER, SAND HARBOR

Watch the Ad

 
February 9 - 10, 2019

Famed Drummer John Riley was the Headline performer for the RJO Concert Sunday, Feb. 10, 2:00 p.m.

Every year during Jazz in the Schools, the Reno Jazz Orchestra shares the stage with a top jazz performer, and this year famed drummer John Riley performed on Sunday the 10th.

Throughout his prestigious career, John toured and recorded with the famed One O'clock Lab Band and Woody Herman Band. Following those great experiences, John returned to New York and began freelancing with a wide spectrum of world-class musicians.

The impressive list includes Stan Getz, Milt Jackson, Miles Davis, Dizzy Gillespie, John Scofield, Bob Mintzer, Gary Peacock, Mike Stern, Joe Lovano, the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra, the Carnegie Hall Jazz Band, John Patitucci, Bob Berg, and many others.

John has a Bachelor of Music degree in jazz education from the University of North Texas and a Master of Music in jazz studies from Manhattan School of Music. He is on the faculty of Manhattan School of Music, and Kutztown University, and is an Artist in Residence at Amsterdam Conservatory, Holland.

John is also the author of The Art of Bop Drumming, Beyond Bop Drumming, The Jazz Drummer's Workshop, The Master Drummer DVD, and has taught master classes around the world.

Visit John Riley's Official Website

The RJO performed three Concerts in December!

The spirit of Christmas and Hanukkah came to life as the 18-piece Reno Jazz Orchestra (RJO) presented “A World of Joy” featuring holiday music from the U.S. to Brazil, Puerto Rico, Israel, Russia, Austria and back.

Joining the RJO was Pat Ester’s Gospel Choir starring vocalists Pat Esters, Lori Johnson, David Wells, and Caitlin Collins. The Reno Youth Jazz Orchestra opened the show at the Reno performances.

The performances were a one-of-a-kind holiday celebration that brought the spirit of the holidays from around the world to Reno and Lake Tahoe ... all wrapped up in wonderful jazz.

See What's Coming Next!

Performing the best of the Great American Song Book from Cole Porter to Joni Mitchell, the 17-piece Reno Jazz Orchestra shared the stage with GRAMMY jazz-vocalist nominee Tierney Sutton. It was a swinging night of big band jazz and enduring songs spiced with Tierney’s charisma. Tierney embraces the American songbook by interpreting them in her own unique way making them her own. Known as a ‘serious jazz artist who takes music to another level,’ Sutton’s award-winning style will complement the veteran talents of the Reno Jazz Orchestra whose members have traveled the world with legendary performers.

Visit the Official Website

The good times rolled with the Reno Jazz Orchestra's two nights of musical Mardi Gras magic in July, 2018. The RJO presented a grand and intimate tour of the Big Easy that set feet a stompin’ and souls swinging. The music reflected classic brass bands, big bands, and the bold rooted blues improvised with a healthy dose of funk to highlight the quintessential heart and soul of New Orleans. From the classic Dixieland of Louis Armstrong to the ‘Second Line’ to the Big Easy’s number one son, Doctor John the Night Tripper, it was a night of swaggering music and songs with the Reno Jazz Orchestra.

Check Out What's Coming Next!

The Reno Jazz Orchestra presented The Music of Hans Halt. It was a full house with lively and entertaining music with the Reno Jazz Orchestra that featured the notable talent and Big Band productions of the jazz industry’s distinguished bassist Hans Halt. A performer, arranger, composer, and educator, Hans Halt presented some of his favorite original big band style music accompanied by the 17-piece Reno Jazz Orchestra.

Both shows at Midtown's Union Hall were sold out.

What's Up Next?

Annual Event each February
 
Each year all Washoe County School District (WCSD) high school and middle school jazz bands are invited to participate.

Each year between 12 and 15 different jazz bands are invited to perform on stage at UNR's Nightingale Concert Hall. Each performance lasts between 20 and 25 minutes. Clinicians then provide immediate feedback to each group, followed by in-depth hands-on clinics.

Performances and workshops are open to the public. Public attendance is encouraged to help generate an atmosphere of live, on stage experience.

Another Successful Year!

The renowned jazz trumpeter, Bobby Shew, joined the Reno Jazz Orchestra on stage at Nightingale Concert Hall for the finale of this year's Jazz in the Schools Program.

Bobby has played with an impressive number of world class musicians and big bands, including the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra, Charlie Shavers, Woody Herman, Buddy Rich, Maynard Ferguson, Si Zentner, Benny Goodman, Bill Holman, Bob Florence, Louie Bellson, Toshiko Akiyoshi, Ed Shaughnessy, Bill Berry, and Nat Pierce-Frank Capp Juggernaut.

This event was FREE to all students who attended the Jazz in the Schools clinics this year.

Visit Bobby Shew's Website.

In August of 2017, on the Warren Edward Trepp Stage at Sand Harbor, directed by Chuck Reider, the Reno Jazz Orchestra featured Pat Esters, Trey Stone, David Wells, Carolyn Dolan, and Lori Johnson for an exploration of Blues Music from early beginnings to contemporary.

"Every “flavor” of American music from country to jazz has roots in the blues heard even today. The RJO promises a “tour de Force” performance of the many shades of blue, touching a variety of music styles."

Explore program notes and the set list, listen to song selections, and enjoy a slide show of photographs by David Rocco.

Roots in the Blues.

In August of 2016, directed by Chuck Reider, the Reno Jazz Orchestra performed Duke Ellington's Such Sweet Thunder at Sand Harbor State Park, Lake Tahoe. This now legendary composition by Ellington is a twelve part suite based upon various works of William Shakespeare. The featured actors were Oge Agulue, Jeffrey C. Hawkins, Mic Matarrese, and Erin Partin, all members of the Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Company.

• The Complete Set (30:02)
• Such Sweet Thunder (4:27)
• Sonnet for Caesar (4:15)
• Lady Mac (4:51)
• Sonnet in Search of a Moor (3:44)
• The Telecasters (4:35)
• Up and Down, Up and Down (3:55)
• Circle of Fourths (4:13)

Visit the RJO's Videos Page.

Find basic information about the RJO all in a single file.

Our 2017 Media Kit is available for copy writers, reporters, music and cultural Web writers, and anyone interested in details about the Reno Jazz Orchestra.

The file includes an Introduction to the Orchestra, a Schedule of Events for 2017, precise articles on the History, Passion and Purpose of the RJO, articles on the RJO's Jazz in the Schools and Mentor programs, as well as information on our Grantor and Corporate Sponorships and our single and family Donor Recognition programs. The file concludes with biographies of the Orchestra members, a Discography, and Contact Information.

Download the RJO 2017 Press Kit.

Three GRAMMY Award Winner

On Sunday, February 12, 2017, GRAMMY Award winner Tom Scott joined the Reno Jazz Orchestra on state at
Nightingale Concert Hall. The concert was a perfect blend of compositions and arrangements by Mr. Scott, band members and music director Chuck Reider.

Tom Scott is a renowned composer, arranger, producer, musical director and saxophonist. His 33 solo recordings have earned him 14 GRAMMY nominations and 3 GRAMMY awards.

Tom's career as a guest artist spans more than 500 recordings—by such diverse artists as Barbra Streisand, Quincy Jones, Thelonius Monk, the Blues Brothers, Frank Sinatra, Aretha Franklin and Aerosmith.  His numerous contributions as a player and arranger include Joni Mitchell's Court and Spark and Miles of Aisles ...(read more)

Visit Tom Scott's Official Website.

KNCJ
89.5 on your FM Dial

Saturday Night Jazz from 6:00 to 10:00 pm
Your hosts, Dallas Smith and Scot Marshall.

Jazz After Hours all night on Fridays from 8:00 pm to 6:00 am
Saturday Nights from 10:00 to 6:00 am

In October, 2016, KUNR-Reno Public Radio launched a new music radio station dedicated to classical and jazz. The station serves Reno and Sparks with classical music throughout the week and jazz music on the weekend.

Dallas Smith is currently the President of the RJO Board of Directors.

Stream KNCJ from your Browser

Our very own Dallas Smith co-hosts with Scot Marshall every week.

Saturdays
10:00 pm.
88.7 on your FM Dial
 

Listen to the latest releases and classics of America's great musical art form for the listeners of KUNR!

Broadcast from the University of Nevada, Reno, campus, KUNR is Reno's local, listener-supported public radio station. The station's music programing includes jazz music. Check the programing schedule for current time slots.

Dallas Smith is currently the President of the RJO Board of Directors.

Stream KUNR from your Browser

"AT THE CROSSROADS – CELEBRATING THE MUSIC OF CARLOS SANTANA"

WINGFIELD PARK, DOWNTOWN RENO

It was an Artown event celebrating the music of Carlos Santana. Performed at Wingfield Park in downtown Reno, we explored Santana's music, the music that influenced him, and even music he influenced. We've gathered together images of this event, and have provided some mp3s for your listening pleasure.

Carlos Santana embodies the American music melting pot and standing "at the crossroads" of our musical heritage. He easily moves from Latin to rock to blues to jazz (and back again!).
 

Listen to Music / Watch the Slides

THE RENO JAZZ ORCHESTRA'S YOUTUBE CHANNEL IS NOW LIVE!

We now have another location for viewing and listening to the RJO's live performance videos.

Big Band Jazz, Blues, Swing, Funk - as our library grows, you'll definitely what to subscribe.
 
Visit now to watch an excerpt from the Reno Jazz Orchestra's performance at Sand Harbor of "The Jazz and Soul of Porgy and Bess" featuring the Pat Esters Gospel Choir.
 
You can also listen to "Everybodys Everything" from the RJO's performance of "At the Crossroads: Celebrating the Music of Carlos Santana," an Artown event from July, 2015.
 
 
 

Visit the RJO's Youtube Channel Now

SUCH SWEET THUNDER ~ THE MUSIC OF DUKE ELLINGTON, THE WORDS OF SHAKESPEARE

SAND HARBOR, LAKE TAHOE, NV

It was a swinging night on the shores of Lake Tahoe as the 17-piece Reno Jazz Orchestra presented "Such Sweet Thunder" - an evening featuring the music of Duke Ellington.  Fans got to hear some of the Duke's greatest compositions like Mood Indigo and In A Mellow Tone capped by a performance of his suite "Such Sweet Thunder" … all infused with the works of William Shakespeare that featured Lake Tahoe Shakespeare actors performing excerpts from 12 separate sonnets and plays. It was a night of sultry, brassy, and big band sounds blended with a theatrical touch overlooking beautiful Lake Tahoe.

View the Images / Watch the slides

SUCH SWEET THUNDER ~ THE MUSIC OF DUKE ELLINGTON, THE WORDS OF SHAKESPEARE

WINGFIELD PARK, RENO, NV

As a part of Reno's Artown 2016 celebration, music fans helped celebrate 400 years of William Shakespeare's work with a night of sultry sounds under the stars at Wingfield Park by the Truckee River in downtown Reno. The Orchestra played some of Duke Ellington's greatest hits, including the 12 piece suite of his impressions of Shakespeare's plays and sonnets. The performance also featured Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival actors performing on stage.

The amphitheater at Wingfield Park is at the heart of Reno's River Walk, set next to the beautiful Truckee River on a grass covered island just a short distance from downtown casinos, coffee houses, and restaurants.

SUCH SWEET THUNDER ~ THE MUSIC OF DUKE ELLINGTON, THE WORDS OF SHAKESPEARE

SAND HARBOR, LAKE TAHOE, NV

It was a swinging night on the shores of Lake Tahoe as the 17-piece Reno Jazz Orchestra presented "Such Sweet Thunder" - an evening featuring the music of Duke Ellington.  Fans got to hear some of the Duke's greatest compositions like Mood Indigo and In A Mellow Tone capped by a performance of his suite "Such Sweet Thunder" … all infused with the works of William Shakespeare that featured Lake Tahoe Shakespeare actors performing excerpts from 12 separate sonnets and plays. It was a night of sultry, brassy, and big band sounds blended with a theatrical touch overlooking beautiful Lake Tahoe.

Check Out Our Upcoming Gigs

JAMIE DAVIS, CLAIRDEE JOINED THE RJO FOR MUSIC OF THE MASTERS

SAND HARBOR, LAKE TAHOE & ROBERT Z. HAWKINS AMPHITHEATER

The performance gave us the best of the great American songbook - from Cole Porter to Stevie Wonder - with the 17-piece Reno Jazz Orchestra sharing the stage with distinguished vocalists Jamie Davis and Clairdee. Davis holds a position amongst the pantheon of great male vocalists with a compelling deep-baritone voice and passion for his craft. With her lustrous voice, soulful delivery and scene-stealing charisma, Clairdee has honed a repertoire with arrangements that are equally smart and entertaining. It was a swinging night of Big Band music spiced with soul and blues.
 

We partied February 27, 2016 at the Nugget Casino Resort, Sparks, NV.

The RJO performed songs from their new CD featuring vocalists Trey Stone, Jackie Landrum, Pat Esters, and Maurice Allen!

James Brown had many hits before Cold Sweat, but it was that tune recorded in 1967 that brought funk to the world of music. Funk caught fire throughout the jazz and pop world during the 70's and 80's and its funkiness continues on today. The RJO knew it was time to bring James' funk to our audience, not only his music but those that took to the funk such as Herbie Hancock, Chaka Khan, Marvin Gaye, and of course Tower of Power. With the help of our featured vocalists, the band, and arrangers Hans Halt, Bill Hecht, Jim Garaventa and Chuck Reider the funk came to life.

A very special concert followed a very successful and productive day of student performances and educational clinics at the University of Nevada, Reno.

As a special event for the RJO's annual Jazz in the Schools Program, guest conductor Gary Urwin led the Reno Jazz Orchestra with special guest, the legendary jazz trombonist, band leader, studio musician, writer and stage performer Bill Watrous.

Read More About RJO's Jazz in the Schools Program

7-time GRAMMY nominee, Tierney Sutton was the special guest artist for the RJO's annual holiday celebration, Jazz for the Holidays 2015. Sutton's first album was released in 1998, and she has gone on to release around a dozen albums with 6 consecutive GRAMMY nominations for 'Best Jazz Vocal Album'.

Sutton's most recent release is Paris Sessions, which was recorded in Paris with Parisian guitarist, Serge Merlaud, and Bassist, Kevin Axt. The CD is a "collection of standards and original songs." Before this, she released After Blue: The Joni Mitchell Project. Both received GRAMMY nominations.

Visit Tierney's Official Website

James Brown had many hits before Cold Sweat, but it was that tune recorded in 1967 that brought funk to the world of music. Funk caught fire throughout jazz and pop world during the 70’s and 80’s and it’s funkiness continues on today. The RJO knew it was time to bring James’ funk to our audience, not only his music but those that took to the funk such as Herbie Hancock, Chaka Khan, Marvin Gaye, and of course Tower of Power. With the help of our featured vocalists, the band, and arrangers Hans Halt, Bill Hecht, Jim Garaventa, and Chuck Reider, the funk came to life. Enjoy!

The album is now available from CDBaby as CD, MP3, MP3 320, and FLAC files. You can purchase the CD in Reno at Sundance Books and Absolute Music.

The plan was to record the last performance of a Monday night music series at the great annual summer event, the Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival. And then the rains came. And then a break in the rain which prompted the band to fill the stage for the recording and performance. And the the rains returned, but on a windless night, with quick thinking by the Festival's Executive Director Bob Taylor, the crew set up vendor tents and patio umbrellas on the stage so the performers could play.

The audience, too, braved the weather, and the recording went as planned. The result is the RJO's newest CD, Bring Me the Funk of James Brown. Read more (and purchase the CD!)

This year's Jazz in the Schools was a great success. Held annually each February in UNR's Church Fine Arts Building and its prestigious Nightingale Concert Hall, this all day event presents jazz clinics and performances for the Washoe County School District's music teachers and their students. This year, the clinicians were Adam Benjamin, Dave Camwell, Larry Engstrom, Peter Epstein, Hans Halt, Andrew Heglund and Rob Tapper.

View photographs highlighting this great local event.

RJO's very own second trombonist, Rich Lewis, was one of the original members of the San Francisco Bay Area's 1970s Funk, Soul, R&B, Caribbean, Jazz band, Little John. Before breaking up, the band produced two albums for Epic Records. Now the band is back together again and with a new recording.

Read about this great band's history and listen to their latest album on their official Website.