Portland Jazz Orchestra May 30th Performance

Portland Jazz Orchestra May 30th Performance

Portland Jazz Orchestra presents an all-ages performance pairing the large ensemble repertoire of music impresario Quincy Jones alongside charts by virtuoso guitarist/band leader Pat Metheny (arr. Bob Curnow). Sponsored by Wells Fargo, the event will be emceed by Portland City Commissioner Randy Leonard. Also joining the 18-piece ensemble for this exciting concert are regional jazz superstars Alan Jones on drums and Dan Balmer on guitar (“the model of what a contemporary guitarist should be.” —LA Times).

The concert is Friday, May 30, at PCPA’s Winningstad Theater (1111 SW Broadway, downtown) at 7:30 PM. Tickets are $20/advance or $25/door and are available through the PDX Jazz box office (by phone at 503-228-JAZZ; in person at 133 SW Second Ave, Suite 420) or through any TicketMaster outlet (503-224-4400). Advance tickets are highly recommended, as seating is reserved and selling quickly.

Resident Ensemble of the Portland Jazz Festival, PJO boasts an impressive roster, including Paul Mazzio and Farnell Newton, trumpets; Scott Hall and Rob Davis, saxes; John Moak and David Bryan, trombones; Dan Gaynor, piano; Tom Wakeling, bass; and Alan Jones, drums.

ABOUT PORTLAND JAZZ ORCHESTRA

Established in 2005 by trombonist Lars Campbell and composer/arranger/PSU professor Charley Gray, Portland Jazz Orchestra brings together the finest jazz artists in Portland, to perform top caliber orchestral jazz in a concert hall setting. PJO’s 17 esteemed players rehearse and perform under the direction of Charley Gray, and make up the artistic personnel of the non-profit organization.

 PRAISE FOR PORTLAND JAZZ ORCHESTRA

“PJO’s sense of swing and rhythm, their tight solos…and the solid arrangements all kept the show’s two hours moving quickly.” —The Oregonian

 “The camaraderie on the stage was obvious…” —The Oregonian

 PAT METHENY ON BOB CURNOW'S ARRANGEMENTS “I was really touched by the whole thing…I didn’t quite know what to expect, and I was a bit apprehensive, but when I heard it...yeah!” —Pat Metheny

 ABOUT THE COMPOSERS

Both immensely popular and prolific, Quincy Jones and Pat Metheny have earned a combined total of 44 Grammy awards. While both are known for innovation and creativity, the concert’s program is fresh and casual—Curnow’s revered arrangements of Metheny’s charts feature groovy mixed meters alongside gorgeous, sweeping melodies, while Jones conceals his demand for technical expertise in vibrant tunes of swing and bop—ultimately inviting a prime listening experience to jazz fans of any persuasion.