The exciting debut CD/DVD release by the CNY Jazz Orchestra is now available! This world-class big band has been cutting it up for 12 seasons behind the very best guests in the jazz world, and amassing fans and acclaim: “Look out—this band is on fire! The CNYJO weaves through intricate pieces with precision, dynamics and phenomenal musicianship—a masterpiece!” — Tony Monaco “The CNY Jazz Orchestra is groovy, modern, abstract and sassy!” — Marcus Printup “World class soloists and arrangements. I love this CD. It’s been in my car for a week!” —Bobby Watson “This new CD features wonderful soloing, composing and arranging.” — Shelly Berg “This long-awaited CD is a treasure that documents for the world the stories that guest performers have been taking away from their appearances with CNY Jazz. The legend now becomes reality. The CNY Jazz Orchestra is the real deal.” — Dick Carr, Big Bands Ballads & Blues, WCNY-FM "Having been fortunate enough to hear this band for the last 12 years, I can say unequivocally that they are more than just a regional orchestra....they are a bunch of world class musicians who are deserving of wider recognition. Ask any of the special guests they have accompanied and I think they would definitely agree. This album from top to bottom showcases their swing and sophistication and will be truly enjoyable for jazz fans of all ages." - Eric Cohen, Program Director, WAER-FM88 Under the direction of Music Director, composer, and trombonist Bret Zvacek, the band has written and arranged a blockbuster set representing their continuing evolution, featuring music written since their creation in 1996.
The recording consists exclusively of arrangements and compositions by its members. The CD lives up to its title by paying tribute to the past with tunes dedicated to two late music directors: Ray Shiner, Sauter-Finegan alumnus and founding director, and Calvin Custer, best selling composer for Hal Leonard Publications. The present incarnation of the band provides new compositions and arrangements by Zvacek and band members Rick Montalbano, Sr. and John Jeanneret. And, the two-disc package reprises five studio CD titles on the DVD disc of a concert recorded live at the Persian Terrace of the historic Hotel Syracuse. The DVD also includes a Behind the Scenes special features reel. The result is jazz played with an extraordinary breadth of style, genre, and vision, providing a strong foundation for the internationally competitive soloing, arranging, and composing heard throughout.
CD Tracks include: • “Get Smart” (8:38)—A “fractured Pink Panther” treatment of the historic TV theme soon to be released as a major motion picture, embedded with quotes from TV themes and 60’s pop tunes. • “HipNotHop”(5:10)—An up tempo swing chart by pianist Rick Montalbano, CNYJO Associate MD. • “Eighty One”(7:27)—A tribute to the Miles Davis/Ron Carter collaboration, arranged by Bret Zvacek. • “I Loves You Porgy”(5:31)—A show-stopping trumpet solo feature for Jeff Stockham, best known for his work on French Horn with T.S. Monks’ Octet • “All Things Considered”(6:05)—A thematic romp on the famous National Public Radio theme, arranged by John Jeanneret, former director of the North Texas State 4 O’Clock Band. • “The Midnight Sun Will Never Set”(3:21)—The band’s founding Music Director, the late Ray Shiner, was a Sauter-Finegan alumnus who programmed this Quincy Jones classic on the band’s first concert in 1996. Joe Carello pays homage to Ray on this lyrical solo feature in the style of Johnny Hodges and Marsh Royal. • “Status Quo”(7:28)—A tour de force solo blowout on rhythm changes for the whole band, an “American Bandstand Gone Wild” experience, penned by the late Calvin Custer, former pianist and Music Director. • “Things Happen”(4:18)—A solo feature written, arranged and played by Bret Zvacek. • “Shimmer”(7:09)—A moving, energetic textural study penned by Bret Zvacek, featuring Jeff Stockham on French Horn. • “Mister Sandman”(5:05)—A “Lil’ Darlin”-style romantic signoff on the 50’s hit by the Chordettes.
DVD Tracks: • Things Happen • Mister Sandman • Get Smart • All Things Considered • HipNotHop