Stan Bann

From his base in Eden Prairie, MN Stan Bann's music has touched the lives and hearts of audiences and critics literally around the world. Whether writing for his 24 piece "Expanded Coverage" Stan Bann Big Band, a jazz combo, a symphony orchestra, or a 300 piece college marching band his singular voice reaches across the footlights to engage audiences of all ages and musical tastes.

In Stan Bann's Big Bone Band Stan returns to his roots and focuses on the low brass sounds close to his own heart. The ensemble fuses the expressive range of a trombone choir, the lithe swing and interaction of a jazz rhythm section, and Stan's own soulful and melodic approach to music.

"Growing up in the '60s I was definitely influenced by rock and R&B but was honing my love of jazz," said Bann. "As a trombonist I was influenced by the trombone and rhythm section work of Kai Winding and J.J. Johnson, and Urbie Green's 21 Trombones. The great 1958 "Trombones, Inc." recording introduced me to Frank Rosolino's playing among others and Marty Paich's fantastic writing. It was "Trombones, Inc." that inspired me to take up the Big Bone Band challenges."

When the Big Bone Band was introduced to Twin Cities audiences in the summer of 2009 Stan was already a fixture with the Stan Bann Big Band. Few in the audience knew what to expect when trombonist after trombonist arrived on stage and set up their instruments. By the time the notes of the first piece were over the verdict was in and the Big Bone Band was a smash hit.

"I had more people comment to me and my band members about the amazing sound. Some said it had a warmth that needed to be felt and experienced live rather than try to express it in words. Others talked about the fact they didn't notice the lack of saxes, trumpets, or other treble instruments," Bann said. "My goal is for the music to make that kind of timeless connection with the listeners. Let it transcend the physical horns and instruments on the stage; to reach into someone's heart and memories where it exists as a tangible emotion."

The connection between musician/music and the audience is of paramount importance to Bann. He is an adept performer who establishes an easy and close rapport with his crowds be they concerts in the park or the over 250 clinics he's conducted in the Twin Cities area. He is at once both entertainer and educator.

"I love taking music that one portion of the audience knows and do it with an unexpected twist or setting. I've had people comment that they'd forgotten about an old standard, for example, but that our treatment brought it to new life all over again for them. Then I've had young kids come up and go 'Wow! You can do that with HORNS??". They'll be talking about the same piece!!"

Noel Stookey (Paul of "Peter, Paul, and Mary" fame) once thanked his audience by saying "Tonight we felt we shared our music with you rather than played it at you." The is the goal and normal reaction to Stan Bann's Big Bone Band concerts and clinics. A bond is formed and memories are made. The music is heard and felt by the heart as well as the ear. Stan Bann's musical passion, swinging and driving conception, and universal appeal is shared on a level few can reach; never to be forgotten.