January turned out to be a busy month around here, with a couple of significant developments.
First – on January 8th, the Jon Burr Big Band presented its debut concert at the Baha’i Center in NY (with special thanks to Mike Longo for giving us the hall!).
We asked veteran live sound recordist John Guth to come, and the result is really good!
Second – On January 28 we went into the studio with the Music of Grappelli project to record at John Kilgore Sound… The trio, with Howard Alden and Jonathan Russell, sounded wonderful, as did our guest vocalist/trumpeter Bria Skonberg.
The Music of Grappelli project will be appearing at Small’s March 15, 7:30 PM.
•We’ll be on the cover of the March issue of Hot House Magazine in support of these projects, in a feature written by noted Jazz journalist Ken Dryden.
•The Jon Burr Big Band been approved by Fractured Atlas, a non-profit arts service organization, for fiscal sponsorship. The Jon Burr Big Band is now operating as non-profit institution, accepting tax-deductible contributions on an ongoing basis.
•We’ve initiated a new campaign on Indie GoGo (a Fractured Atlas partner) to raise funds for the recording releases from the band, accepting fully tax-deductible contributions. Your participation is needed!
•We’re in discussions with venues to find a home for an ongoing curated series featuring the works of New York’s finest Jazz composers, performed by the Jon Burr Big Band.
•We’ve released a pitch video for the release campaign.
• – And another full-length video preview of a track from the forthcoming CD “Jon Burr Big Band – Live At the Baha’i Center NY”
To those of you who participated in our Kickstarter campaign – (and anyone who opens our email! 🙂
We’re grateful for your support!
With honorable mentions to Rosemary Miller, Susumu Sugiyama, and Tony Scialli, who were angels from heaven in the Kickstarter drive…
and – Special thanks to the members of the Jon Burr Big Band:
Piano: Mike Eckroth
Bass: Evan Gregor
Drums: Steve Johns
Please keep in touch – and spread the word!
Best regards,
Jon
Pitch video:
Full-length preview video (with incredible solos by Vic Juris and Jerry Dodgion)