Chicago Jazz Ensemble

The Chicago Jazz Ensemble led by Artistic Director, Jon Faddis is recognized internationally as one of American's leading jazz ensembles. Founded in 1965 by distinguished composer and conductor William Russo, the CJE has remained dedicated throughout its history to preserving the innovative tradition of American big band jazz music, performing and reinterpreting the classics of big-band repertoire, while promoting the continuing evolution of the art form by regularly performing and commissioning contemporary works. As a professional jazz ensemble in residence at Columbia College Chicago, the CJE is equally committed to education, building new audiences and fostering the next generation of American talent by training and mentoring young musicians.

Sounds of 1959 Listening Session

December 5, 2009
4pm-6pm; Jazz Showcase
"Listening Sessions"
"Sounds of 1959"

Featuring CJE Music Director Dana Hall; Chicago Reader Music Critic Peter Margasak; Saxophonist, Composer, Ethnomusicologist Leonard Brown as DJ's and Panelists

COME LISTEN TO RECORDS AND HEAR DISCUSSION ABOUT THE YEAR 1959 IN JAZZ

Co-produced by The CJE and the Center for Black Music Research FREE for students; $5 for general public

Kate Dumbleton as New Executive Director

The Chicago Jazz Ensemble (The CJE) and Artistic Director Jon Faddis welcome Kate Dumbleton as the new Executive Director of the ensemble, effective today. She replaces J. Richard Dunscomb, who shifts emphasis to fully devote his time to his position as Chairman of the Columbia College Chicago (CCC) Music Department and to the Sherwood Community Music School.
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The 11th American Heritage Jazz Series

The Chicago Jazz Ensemble (CJE) and Artistic Director Jon Faddis announce the 11th American Heritage Jazz Series, highlighting the music of Benny Goodman, Miles Davis, Ornette Coleman, John Coltrane, Duke Ellington and Louis Armstrong as well as contributions from Mr. Faddis' own songbook.
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Summer camp for jazz: Brushing up with the masters

Now that summer's approaching, it's time for ... jazz camp? Yes, indeed, several luminaries of Chicago jazz -- including trumpeter Jon Faddis, singer Bobbi Wilsyn and drummer Dana Hall -- will share tricks of the trade next month with Chicagoans who want to learn from the best.
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A triumphant 'Black, Brown and Beige'

The complexity and scope of the work still prevents ensembles from attempting to play it often, which made the Chicago Jazz Ensemble's performance Friday night in Symphony Center significant. So did the caliber of the interpretation, which spoke not only to the increasing sophistication of trumpeter Jon Faddis' ensemble but to the rigor of the piece itself.
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Second Annual Louis Armstrong Legacy Program and Celebration

The Chicago Jazz Ensemble is proud to conduct the second annual Louis Armstrong Legacy Program and Celebration (LALPC). At the beginning of the spring semester, musicians from The CJE were paired up with schools to work with music students and their instructors on the music of Louis Armstrong. The mentors from the CJE are armed with arrangments by Jon Faddis of some tunes recorded by Armstrong's famous Hot Five and Hot Seven groups in Chicago. With the help of the mentors, students put their own spin on the music of 'Pops'. At the end of the program, all of the schools are invited to showcase their talent at a final celebration event. Eight Chicago Public Schools are participating in this year's program:

Student Guests at CJE Concerts

The Chicago Jazz Ensemble is proudly in residence at Columbia College Chicago as it has been since 1965. As part of our initiative to maintain a strong relationship between The CJE and the Columbia College Chicago Music Department, The CJE has featured students in some of its major performances at the Harris Theater for Music and Dance. This provides a great hands-on learning opportunity for some of Columbia's brightest music students. It also increases the visibility and enhances the reputation of Columbia College Chicago as a premier arts and media college.

American Heritage Jazz Series

Upcoming Performances

Fri, Mar. 5th : Chicago, IL
Fri, Apr. 16th : Chicago, IL
Sat, Apr. 17th : Chicago, IL

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