Julliard Jazz Orchestra, Just Jazz!

Just the best in jazz by the next generation of jazz musicians.  The Julliard Jazz program is barely 10 years old &  has developed into the highest level training ground for young jazz musicians.  Julliard Jazz students are being taught by today's most talented & innovative performers & teachers in both the classical & jazz world.  The Julliard Jazz orchestra travels throughout the U.S. & abroad.  The students regularly perform at the Dizzy's Club @ Jazz @ Lincoln Center.  And of course, there are free performances throughout the school year @ the Peter Jay Sharp Theatre on 65th.  Last night's program was a mixture of classic jazz standards by such jazz greats as Benny Carter, Quincy Jones & Wynton Marsalis.  Oliver Nelson's "Ballad for Benny" was written for Benny Goodman who dismissed it as "too much like Duke Ellington," which thanked him for the best compliment, ever.  The clarinet solo from this ballad was one of my favorite pieces and Neal Hefti's "Lil Darlin'."  James Burton III, the orchestra's conductor has recorded alongside illustrious artists:  Ron Carter, Thad Jones & performed with both the Ray Charles' & Duke Ellington Orchestra.  Try not to miss the next Julliard Jazz performance, you'll find it impossible not to revel in great jazz or refrain from tapping your feet.