One of the West Coast's most dynamic jazz ensembles, the Montclair Women's Big Band offers the powerful sound of 17 top-flight soloists delivering a brassy, blues-drenched wallop to classic big band standards and originals. With a vivid cast of musical personalities, MWBB combines an audacious sense of swing, tight ensemble work, and inspired solos in a concert that premiers some exciting new arrangements, including a powerhouse "Song for Bilbao" (Pat Metheney), "Black Orpheus" (Luiz Bonfa, arr Eric Richards), and a burning rendition of "Salt Peanuts" (Dizzy Gillespie).

Formed in 1998 by pioneering trumpeter Ellen Seeling and veteran music producer Barbara Price, Montclair Women's Big Band was created to showcase some of the region's best female players. Priding itself in providing high visibility for its outstanding soloists—notably as always, the band features prominent soloists Mad Duran and Jean Fineberg (saxophone), Christy Dana and Ellen Seeling (trumpet), Sarah Cline and Mara Fox (trombone), and Tammy Lynn Hall (piano)—MWBB showcases air-tight ensemble playing, a high-energy rhythm section, and a big brassy sound. The band performed at a sold-out event for The Grammy Foundation, as well as jazz festivals from San Francisco to San Jose.

In the words Andy Gilbert writing for the San Francisco Chronicle, "The sight of 17 women swinging is a powerful thing." Come prepared to be blown away by this band's commanding groove that rivets audience attention from the first downbeat!

Visit the Montclair Women's Big Band website

Listen to a track from the Montclair Women's Big Band:

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