American Jazz Orchestra
In 1985, when jazz critic Gary Giddins was told by producer Roberta Swann that she was thinking of putting together a modern classical ensemble, he suggested that she help create a jazz repertory orchestra instead. With John Lewis as the musical director, the American Jazz Orchestra had their debut concert in 1986, playing works associated with Duke Ellington, Jimmie Lunceford, Fletcher Henderson, Count Basie, and Dizzy Gillespie. Two recordings resulted (tributes to Ellington and Lunceford), which often found the all-star players re-creating recorded solos. But when funding eventually ran out in the early '90s, the American Jazz Orchestra slipped away into history.
© Scott Yanow /TiVo
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Discography
3 album(s) • Sorted by Bestseller
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Ellington Masterpieces (with John Lewis)
Jazz - Released by Rhino Atlantic on Jan 1, 1988
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
Benny Carter & American Jazz Orchestra: Central City Sketches
Benny Carter, American Jazz Orchestra
Jazz - Released by Musical Heritage Society on Nov 15, 2019
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
The Music of Jimmie Lunceford
John Lewis, American Jazz Orchestra
Jazz - Released by Jazz Heritage Society on Jan 1, 1992
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo