Portland Big Band 2

This Portland Big Band is a swing, jazz, dance band that appeals to audiences of all ages. You can count on this experienced group to add zest and class to any public or private occasion--whenever and wherever fun is to be had!

Voted "best local band" in their city of origin, this Portland Big Band now performs mainly in Oregon and Washington. It developed its fresh approach to timeless favorites under the leadership of their founder. Currently, led by their trombonist-pianist, the band continues to provide music that unites, not divides, the generations.

This Portland Big Band is a frequent choice for anniversaries, reunions, wedding receptions, birthday parties, benefits, corporate events, country club dances, and open houses. Depending on the needs of the moment and the preference of the host or hostess, they can provide background, dinner, dance or show music.

Portland Big Band as a big band

This Portland Big Band is a mid-size group of 8-9 musicians, combining a full big-band rhythm section with a quartet of horns. This allows us to simulate the exciting, fully harmonized sound of the big bands of yore, at a fraction of the cost, space requirements, and volume. Their horns (trumpet, trombone, alto or baritone sax, and tenor sax) form a swinging ensemble spiced with jazz solos. Selected vocals add warmth and color.

This Portland Big Band also offers a combo of 4 -5 instrumentalists, plus optional vocalist. This can be ideal for smaller spaces and budgets. Or, if you would like to begin your event with background music, you can opt for an hour or two of cocktail/dinner music by the combo, and then step up to the full band for your first dance (bridal couples--ta da!) and/or party portion of the evening.

Portland Big Band styles

This Portland Big Band has a rich repertoire of quality big-band swing, jazz, blues, popular song, Latin (mellow or hot), soft rock, and ballroom dance music in fresh, full octet arrangements. They will take your preferences into account with a customized playlist. You may even choose the styles and tunes from their list of more than 300 selections.

Their vocal selections include appealing renditions of such popular songs as  "Our Love Is Here to Stay," "At Last," "Fever," "Who's Sorry Now?," "Sunny," "The Look of Love,"
"'S Wonderful," "Unforgettable" and "Makin' Whoopee."

This Portland Big Band is well known from their two professionally recorded albums, wide radio play, and many public performances at festivals, concerts, and dances. In addition, the band has made three performing trips (1999, 2001, and 2002) to China. These "Friendship Tours" involved a total of 23 appearances in 9 cities and were reported in major Chinese media. On the 2001 trip, they also performed on the leading entertainment show of Chinese Central TV.

Their debut album was released in 1997. It features 14 favorites -- instrumental and vocals -- from their festival repertoire, with fine solos by all eight musicians.

This Portland Big Band's second album released in 2000 also has 14 selections, from slow groove to classic jump, with swinging vocals. This is the dance party album that swing dancers have been asking for. Both albums are carried by Amazon.