Jump City
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Jump City

Chester Springs, Pennsylvania, United States

Chester Springs, Pennsylvania, United States
Band Jazz Cover Band

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"Jump City Jazz Opens Bandshell Season"

The Chevrolet Bandshell Concert series in City Park, presented by the Berks Arts Council, opened Friday with a beautiful night, a hot band and a large crowd.

The Jump City Jazz Orchestra performed two sets of music, featuring big band standards, jazz updates and a few contemporary tunes.

to read more click the review URL - Reading Eagle


"CD Review: Jump City Jazz Orchestra: Night and Day (2006)"

I know nothing about the Pennsylvania-based Jump City Jazz Orchestra except the obvious: this is an ensemble whose mission is to entertain, created in the image and following the lead of the storied dance bands of the Swing Era—Miller, Goodman, the Dorsey brothers, Harry James, Charlie Barnet, Ray Anthony and other kindred souls.

The question thus becomes, how well does it succeed? The answer, based on this overview of the band's work, is quite well indeed. In other words, if I were hosting a dance, I'd hire the JCJO without any qualms about receiving full value for the money. The nineteen-piece ensemble (including vocalists Keith Spencer and Karen Wilhelm) is tidy and proficient, and if the music is by and large immediately recognizable, it is at least well-played. I don't know if these gentlemen (and two ladies) are professional musicians or part-timers, but they play together like pros.

Half of the dozen tracks are vocals, three each by Spencer and Wilhelm, and there are bright showcases for trumpeters Bob Wagner ("Take the 'A' Train ) and Jay Webb ("Georgia on My Mind ) and the band's most persuasive soloist, alto saxophonist Vince Lardear (the samba "Little Girl, Don Schamber's definitive arrangement of "Time After Time ). One of Wilhelm's vehicles, "Perhaps Perhaps Perhaps (nice work there by the lead trumpet), is used as the theme for a popular British sitcom, Coupling.

She's also heard on Cole Porter's "Night and Day and the Gershwins' "S'wonderful, Spencer on "Fly Me to the Moon, "Ain't That a Kick in the Head and another Porter favorite, "I've Got You Under My Skin. A delightfully swinging version of "That's All precedes a bonus track, Wilhelm's vocal on "Crazy, which isn't listed on the CD's tray.

The JCJO doesn't tailor its music to suit the staunch jazz aficionado who prefers elaborate contemporary material and lengthy, cerebral solos. But for those who appreciate the bands that laid the groundwork for today's more resourceful and sophisticated ensembles, there's a lot to admire and appreciate here.

Track Listing: In the Mood; Night and Day; Take the ?A? Train; Fly Me to the Moon; Georgia on My Mind; S?wonderful; Little Girl; I?ve Got You Under My Skin; Time After Time; Perhaps Perhaps Perhaps; Ain?t That a Kick in the Head; That?s All (45:52).

Personnel: Mike Jarosz, Bob Wagner, Bill Carroll, Jay Webb: trumpet; Vince Lardear: alto saxophone; David Meyerson: alto saxophone, clarinet; Tim Vattima: tenor saxophone, flute; Al Homicz: tenor saxophone, clarinet, flute; Scott Porreca: baritone saxophone, flute; Gail Glass, Paul Holtzman, Allan Berk: trombone; Larry Priori: bass trombone; Mike DiFebbo: guitar; Thomas Petroski: piano: keyboards; Bob Colligan: bass; Jon Ball: drums, percussion; Keith Spencer, Karen Wilhelm: vocals. - AllAboutJazz.com


Discography

Jump City Jazz Orchestra: Night and Day
Jump City Jazz Orchestra: Live at Chris' Jazz Cafe: Tribute to Maynard Ferguson

Photos

Bio

Jump City, the Philadelphia area’s premier big band, is ready to put you “in the mood” for an unforgettable evening of great music!

Since its founding in 1994, Jump City has delighted concert audiences throughout the Delaware Valley with its versatile and high-energy performances.

With 18 talented musicians and vocalists, the Jump City Jazz Orchestra captures the magic and excitement of over 70 years of big band, swing, and horn driven R&B & Soul music.

Just a sample includes the following:

The legendary WWII-era sounds of Glenn Miller, Woody Herman, and Count Basie

The concert pieces of the 50s and 60s from Duke Ellington and Stan Kenton

The contemporary jump swing sound of modern artists like the Brian Setzer Orchestra and Big Bad Voodoo Daddy

The groove of popular soul, R&B and pop artists like Earth Wind & Fire and Tower of Power.

All this — and talented vocalists, too, who bring you the songs of Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, Dean Martin, Rosemary Clooney, Aretha Franklin, Tina Turner and others!

With an extensive repertoire and a full horn section, Jump City recreates the powerful sounds, driving grooves, & beautiful music of all of these legends.