The Vintage 15

With vocals from long time Austin radio personality, Drew Bennett, and Rotel and the Hot Tomatoes vocalist, Victoria Sanchez, the debut EP from jazz/big band outfit, the Vintage 15, proves to be a compelling listen from the start. Music Director and seasoned trumpet player, bandleader Steve Moreland, has assembled fifteen fresh faces from all over the country to carve out a corner of the Austin, Texas jazz scene. The Vintage 15 takes their name literally, as their music is built on the heritage of the “Great American Song Book.” The EP, produced by Austin guitar legend Bradley Kopp, features three standard picks including a Bennett/Sanchez interpretation of, ”Baby, It's Cold Outside,” and individual vocal performances on, “Orange Colored Sky,” and “The Best Is Yet To Come.”

The Vintage 15's angle of youth and experience is the first thing noticed about this band of twenty to thirty something year old jazz lovers, who’s line-up is as follows: Steve Moreland - Band Director/Trumpet; Drew Bennett - Lead Vocals; Owen Summers, James Zuniga, Wes Peart, Will Clark – Sax; Jon Merz, Tori Hamill, Kyle Johnson – Trombone; Derrick Becker, Dee Spencer – Trumpet; Victoria Sanchez – Vocals; Mike St. Clair, Derek Tarnow, Zach Knox, Jason Flenniken - Rhythm Section.

The first Vintage 15 rehearsal took place in 2009 once Moreland finished selecting the original fourteen members. Bennett was to be the lead vocalist. After some discussion, it was decided that a female vocalist should be brought on board as well. After several weeks of auditioning, we finally found the one that perfectly complemented Drew’s voice.

Victoria Sanchez was a rising talent in the Austin music scene, having most recently been a part of Austin’s local, Rotel and the Hot Tomatoes. “She stepped up to the mic and blew everybody away with her voice,” said Bennett. “We knew instantly that she was the one to complete the band.” Her addition to the band was made, and thus the Vintage became 15.

Developing fresh takes on classic jazz standards has been the goal since. In late January, the band entered the studio to record with Austin producer and guitarist, Bradley Kopp. The band turned out an EP with plans on adding more tracks to their first album by the end of 2010. In the meantime, early interest from the local jazz community and private event coordinators has kept the band busy. "We're young, we're fun and we love to play that music. You want a night of great jazz standards and martinis; you call us,” says Bennett. And they do.