Saxophonist Art Bouton kept it simple in 2011 when he founded the Colorado Jazz Repertory Orchestra: perform the best music with the best players. With Denver's powerful base of world-class jazz musicians, it hasn't taken long for the band to establish itself as a cultural institution in the region along with being a vital partner to educational outreach programs.
For their debut recording, band members Wil Swindler, Steve Weist, and Paul McKee contribute arrangements of a wide range of classics along with the original opening track "Hopscotch" by Wil Swindler. With top-flight performers including Greg Gisbert, Al Hood, Bijoux Barbosa, and Eric Gunnison, an aggresive programming schedule, and a supportive arts community backing them, this CJRO debut portends an auspicious future.
1 HOPSCOTCH 6:53
2 WITH A SONG IN MY HEART 5:49
3 INVITATION 6:33
4 I'M OLD FASHIONED 9:42
5 PRELUDE TO A KISS 3:53
6 FESTIVE MINOR 7:57
7 IT AMAZES ME 5:42
8 BIRDLAND 7:18
Performers:
DIRECTED BY: Art Bouton
Greg Gisbert - Trumpet
Jake Boldman - Trumpet
Al Hood - Trumpet
Dawn Kramer - Trumpet
Art Bouton - Sax
Sam Williams - Sax
Eric Erhardt - Sax
Tom Myer - Sax
Wil Swindler - Sax
Steve Wiest - Trombone
Paul McKee - Trombone
Scott Bean - Trombone
Greg Harper - Trombone
Eric Gunnison - Piano
Mike Abbott - Guitar
Bijoux Barbosa - Bass
Mike Marlier - Drums
Heidi Schmidt - Vocals
