The Colorado Jazz Repertory Orchestra will perform music from Ray Charles performances that were previously unreleased in the 1970s then matched with new recordings of the Count Basie Orchestra in the instantly classic album, “Ray Sings and Basie Swings.”
Robert Johnson and the CJRO Sextet celebrate 100 years of Nat King Cole with some of his most memorable charts. Cole was inducted into the Down Beat Jazz Hall of Fame…Read More.
Robert Johnson and the CJRO Sextet celebrate 100 years of Nat King Cole with some of his most memorable charts. Cole was inducted into the Down Beat Jazz Hall of Fame…Read More.
Join CJRO as they recreate this mash up of two jazz titans playing together. Released in 1961, “First Time! The Count Meets the Duke”reflects Ellington’s elegance and Basie’s rollicking Kansas City Style. Selections include “Take the A Train,” “Jumpin’ at the Woodside,” and many other big band classics, featuring CJRO vocalist Heidi Schmidt.
“The Basie band is and always has been, and always will be something very special. Something that reflects the warmth, charm, and simplicity of the man who founded it. This is the Basie spirit and the Basie story; this is Count Basie.” – Jazz wiriter and critic Leonard Feather on The Best of Basie record. Join the CJRO as they bring a cure to your Basie syndrome by playing tunes from the iconic album, “The Best of Basie”
The Times of London notes “his extraordinary facility on a range of instruments” and Rangell’s “considerable crowd pleasing power”. Flute Talk Magazine states “Nelson Rangell creates the impression that anything is possible when he improvises.” Such praise is a confirmation of what contemporary jazz fans have known since the Denver based saxophonist emerged in the late 80s: that Rangell is one of the most exciting and diverse performers in the genre, equally adept at soprano, alto, and tenor saxophone, as well as being a genuine virtuoso on flute and piccolo.
Whether you have been naughty or nice, CJRO wants to celebrate Christmas with you at the Lakewood Cultural Center. So, grab your family, ugly Christmas sweaters, candy canes, and Santa hats and join us for this annual celebration you won’t forget.
The 70’s changed America. From civil rights protests to the emergence of new genres of Rock ‘n Roll. Luckly, the 70’s were a fruitful period for big bands as they began to cover tunes by Steely Dan, Chick Corea and Blood Sweat and Tears, the Beatles, and many other. Join the CJRO for a night of tunes from the 70’s with the vocalist you know and love, Robert Johnson.
Grammy winning jazz vocalist Nancy Wilson had a decades-long career but recorded possibly her finest album in 1962 with the Cannonball Adderley Quintet. Join the CJRO Sextet and vocalist Heidi Schmidt as they perform some of the top hits from this iconic album.
New York’s The Village Vanguard has been a jazz mecca for over 50 years. Hundreds of musicians have recorded at the Vanguard and hundreds more have traveled just to walk in the front doors. The Vanguard Jazz Orchestra has been a staple for Monday night jazz big band jazz for decades, featuring the best New York jazz players. Join the CJRO as they transport you to New York’s The Village Vanguard by performing charts made famous in that building.
New York’s The Village Vanguard has been a jazz mecca for over 50 years. Hundreds of musicians have recorded at the Vanguard and hundreds more have traveled just to walk in the front doors. The Vanguard Jazz Orchestra has been a staple for Monday night jazz big band jazz for decades, featuring the best New York jazz players. Join the CJRO as they transport you to New York’s The Village Vanguard by performing charts made famous in that building.
Miles Davis’ 1959 recording, “Kind of Blue” is said to be the greatest jazz album of all time, a true “desert island disk.” The CJRO sextet will perform the entire album in order. This is the concert for folks who want an introduction to jazz – or just want to experience great music.
CJRO takes a journey to Latin and South America with a program of Latin Jazz. With the addition of percussionist, Christian Teele, this concert will be a fiery night of jazz at the Arvada Center.
The last time the CJRO played a Maynard Ferguson tribute, amateur trumpet players in the audience were encouraged to bring their instruments and join in on the final choruses of “Hey Jude” to close the show. It was a hoot! So, trumpeters, bring your horns. And of course, the CJRO will play “Rocky Theme Song” (“Gonna Fly Now”). This will be a fun concert, but definitely not for the faint-hearted!
The last time the CJRO played a Maynard Ferguson tribute, amateur trumpet players in the audience were encouraged to bring their instruments and join in on the final choruses of “Hey Jude” to close the show. It was a hoot! So, trumpeters, bring your horns. And of course, the CJRO will play “Rocky Theme Song” (“Gonna Fly Now”). This will be a fun concert, but definitely not for the faint-hearted!
Combine Brazilian bossa nova, samba, jazz, Bronx Horns, and Salsa, and you’ve got “A Latin Happening.” Heidi Schmidt and the CJRO Sextet perform these scorching numbers with flare for a surefire hit!
Featuring some of Colorado’s finest jazz musicians, the Friday Night Jazz Series delivers the jazz club vibe right into the heart of Parker’s downtown. The newly renovated Schoolhouse’s mixture of classic and contemporary styles provides the perfect backdrop for a classy evening out on the town for jazz lovers. So sit back, relax, and take in the syncopated sounds of jazz.
Come to hear new arrangements of Stevie Wonder classics from the CJRO’s new CD, Overjoyed , performing songs such as; “My Cherie Amour.” Robert Johnson, who sang backup with Stevie Wonder for many years and will perform “All in Love is Fair,” and “Too High.”
Robert Johnson and the CJRO perform some of Ray Charles’ favorite tunes Count Basie style. Swing to well-known hits, “Oh What a Beautiful Morning,” “I Can’t Stop Loving You” and “I’ve Got News for You.”
Colorado’s best musicians performing classic big band and modern large ensemble jazz, that’s the Colorado Jazz Repertory Orchestra. The CJRO plays to sell out houses at the Arvada Center, the PACE Center in Parker, the Rialto Theater in Loveland, as well as jazz festivals throughout the area, performing tunes from the libraries of Count Basie, Stan Kenton, Duke Ellington, Maynard Ferguson, CJRO composers and many more.
Vocalist Heidi Schmidt performs “The Man I Love,” “Send in the Clowns,” “Summertime,” and many more favorites from the queens of jazz; Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughn, Carmen McRae, and Billie Holiday.
Featuring some of Colorado’s finest jazz musicians, the Friday Night Jazz Series delivers the jazz club vibe right into the heart of Parker’s downtown. The newly renovated Schoolhouse’s mixture of classic and contemporary styles provides the perfect backdrop for a classy evening out on the town for jazz lovers. So sit back, relax, and take in the syncopated sounds of jazz.
The Colorado Jazz Repertory Orchestra returns to Dazzle after a sold out concert in August with two shows featuring vocalist Robert Johnson. The CJRO will perform favorites from their “Invitation” CD, along with new selections from their Stevie Wonder Project. In addition Robert will sing “I’ve Got News For You” and the Clayton – Hamilton Orchestra arrangement of Joe Cocker’s “You Are so Beautiful.” If you want to hear many of Colorado’s finest jazz musicians all in one place, this is the ticket for you!
The Count Basie Orchestra was one of the most prominent jazz groups of the swing era. The CJRO returns with more music from the Count Basie library. The band will play “One O’clock Jump,” “Splanky,” “Flight of the Foo Birds,” and other Basie greats. No band swings this music like the CJRO, and Colorado favorite, Robert Johnson will join the band for some vocal selections. The last two Basie shows were complete sellouts, so get your tickets now for this exciting concert.
SOLD OUT
Christmas with the CJRO promises to be the fun and exciting musical event of the season! Great versions of Holiday favorites by Duke Ellington (selections from his Nutcracker Suite), an exuberant arrangement of “Go Tell it on the Mountain” and Heidi Schmidt's wonderful vocals are some of this year’s offerings. The CJRO features the best players around, performing the best of big band jazz. Join us and celebrate the holidays together!
Christmas with the CJRO promises to be the fun and exciting musical event of the season! Great versions of Holiday favorites by Duke Ellington (selections from his Nutcracker Suite), an exuberant arrangement of “Go Tell it on the Mountain” and Heidi Schmidt's wonderful vocals are some of this year’s offerings. The CJRO features the best players around, performing the best of big band jazz. Join us and celebrate the holidays together!
Christmas with the CJRO promises to be the fun and exciting musical event of the season! Great versions of Holiday favorites by Duke Ellington (selections from his Nutcracker Suite), an exuberant arrangement of “Go Tell it on the Mountain” and Heidi Schmidt's wonderful vocals are some of this year’s offerings. The CJRO features the best players around, performing the best of big band jazz. Join us and celebrate the holidays together!
Robert Johnson returns with selections from the Crescent City. This concert will be a gumbo with a groove!
Catch the CJRO in the intimacy of Denver's favorite jazz club. There are only 90 seats available for this "up close and personal" concert, so reserve yours now! This audience will be the first to new brand new arrangements by CJRO writers Wil Swindler and Steve Wiest. We will also feature both Heidi Schmidt and Robert Johnson on vocals.
One of the greatest jazz albums of all time was "Basie and Sinatra at the Sands, recorded in Las Vegas in 1966. On July 21, the Colorado Jazz Repertory Orchestra will collaborate with noted interpreter of Frank Sinatra, Steve Lippia to recreate this memorable event.
The CJRO was born at the Lone Tree Arts Center back in 2012, and now returns with this exciting concert. Catch the CJRO performing songs from Duke Ellington and Count Basie, along with brand new selections from our Stevie Wonder project! , Songs such as; "It Don't Mean a Thing If It Ain't Got that Swing." and "Prelude to a Kiss," along with Stevie Wonder's "Living for the City" and "My Cheri Amour!"
The CJRO will draw from the rich legacy of the music of Duke Ellington, as played by his, and other great bands. You will hear the Duke through the eyes and ears of Count Basie, Woody Herman, and many others.
Charlie Parker was known as one of the most virtuosic and innovative saxophonists of the Be Bop era. The CJRO combo will combine Parker’s melodies with a small classical string section. These beautiful tunes were Parker's most popular sellers during his lifetime, and this music has only recently become available.
High energy, hard-driving music made famous by the man who, humbly, called himself the world’s greatest drummer The CJRO will perform the Suite from West Side Story, Love For Sale, Cape Verdean Blues, featuring our own Mike Marlier on drums!
The CJRO returns to the Lakewood Cultural Center with a concert of favorites from Duke Ellington and Count Basie to selections from our new Stevie Wonder Project!
Don't miss this exciting mashup of hits from the big bands and the world of pop.
The CJRO will draw from the rich legacy of the music of Duke Ellington, as played by his, and other great bands. You will hear the Duke through the eyes and ears of Count Basie, Woody Herman, and many others.
Robert Johnson was such a hit with the CJRO Sextet last season that we had to bring him back for an entire evening built around his beautiful voice. This concert is sure to be soulful and funky!
How about the soulful music of Ray Charles with the CJRO?! The CJRO will Robert Johnson, performing songs such as I Can't Stop Loving You and Let The Good Times Roll, The CJRO will also debut new music from our Stevie Wonder project, giving you a sneak peek at our next recording!
The Colorado Jazz Repertory Orchestra swings in the holidays! With the beautiful vocals of Heidi Schmidt, you will hear songs such as, Let It Snow and Winter Wonderland, along with Duke Ellington’s Suite from the Nutcracker. The CJRO performed to a sold out house at the Rialto last year, so get your tickets early for this exciting holiday show.
The Colorado Jazz Repertory Orchestra swings in the holidays! With the beautiful vocals of Heidi Schmidt, you will hear songs such as, Let It Snow and Winter Wonderland, along with Duke Ellington’s Suite from the Nutcracker. The CJRO performed to a sold out house at the Rialto last year, so get your tickets early for this exciting holiday show.
West Coast Jazz developed around Los Angeles and San Francisco during the 1950s, and was made famous by the bands of Stan Kenton and Woody Herman. The CJRO will pick the best tunes from these famous bands just for the Arvada Center. Come hear Malaguena, Jumpin'at the Woodside, Four Brothers, Early Autumn, It Don't Mean a Thing If It Ain't Got That Swing!
Are you new to jazz? Do wonder what is really happening between the musicians onstage? At this concert, the CJRO sextet will give you the inside scoop on jazz; the music, its structure, even the jazz language. In just 90 minutes, you'll become instantly hip!
The CJRO explores the library of the great Stan Kenton Orchestra, with selections drawn his 35 year career as one of the most popular and influential big bands from the 40’s through the 70’s. This concert features the beautiful vocals of Heidi Schmidt!
When we played our sold out Count Basie concert at the Arvada Center back in January, we promised to do it again, playing all the great Basie tunes we missed. Now's you chance to help us choose the music for this concert!
Name your favorite Basie tunes you would like to hear from the CJRO!
