The Birdland Big Band is a 16-piece jazz orchestra that performs at the Birdland Jazz Club in New York City. The Birdland Big Band is led by saxophonist David DeJesus
DeJesus joined as saxophonist and leader in October 2017 and brought with him an emphasis on traditional swing and the blues. He hired drummer Chris Smith, bassist Doug Weiss, trumpeter Brandon Lee, and added a fourth trombonist in Ron Wilkins. These musicians joined Glenn Drewes, Tony Lustig, John Walsh, Mark Miller, Kenny Ascher, and Nathan Childers. In 2017 vocalist Veronica Swift was added.
History
The band was created in 2006 by drummer Tommy Igoe, son of jazz drummer Sonny Igoe. Tommy Igoe founded The Friday Night Big Band with musicians from a big band that was in residence at Birdland. That band was founded and directed by Lew Anderson, who died in 2006. After Igoe took over, he changed the name to Birdland Big Band and built a repertoire of contemporary compositions, original arrangements, and select historical works, some forgotten or rare. Guest musicians included Will Lee, James Genus, Conrad Korsch, and Broadway pit musicians who use the early evening sessions as a warm-up for their performances later that night. After Igoe left the band, it was directed for several years by Rob Middleton and Glenn Drewes.
Members
David DeJesus - Leader/Tenor
Nathan Childers - Alto
Alejandro Aviles - Alto
Mike Migliori - Tenor
Tony Lustig - Bari
Glenn Drewes - Trumpet
John Walsh - Trumpet
Raul Agraz - Trumpet
Brandon Lee - Trumpet
Mark Miller - Trombone
Sara Jacovino - Trombone
Ron Wilkins - Trombone
James Borowski - Bass Trombone
Chris Smith - Drums
Kenny Ascher - Piano
Doug Weiss - Bass
Discography
The Lew Anderson Tribute Concert (2007) Eleven (2012)
References
American jazz ensembles from New York City
Hard bop ensembles
Musical groups established in 2006
Swing music
Musical groups from New York City
Big bands
Jazz musicians from New York (state)
