II-V-I Orchestra Jazz Showcase Series
December 27 - the II-V-I Orchestra Jazz Showcase holiday presentation was a big success, with a capacity crowd on hand to enjoy the Duke Ellington Nutcracker Suite. Thanks to everybody who came for helping make the evening a hit!
The series continues Sunday January 31 with the music of Tadd Dameron, composer of jazz standards like "Hot House", "Lady Bird", "Good Bait", the Sarah Vaughan feature ballad "If You Could See Me Now", and the innovative jazz suite "Fontainebleau". Besides composing and arranging for the big bands of Count Basie, Dizzy Gillespie, Billy Eckstine, and his own projects, Dameron led and co-led small groups with Miles Davis, Sonny Rollins, and Dexter Gordon. Most of the show will be our usual dancing, swing and vocal favorites, but we'll bebop at the top with a selection of Dameronia. Make sure to get there on time!
Watch this page for more information on upcoming presentations in the II-V-I Orchestra Jazz Showcase series.
"Everything from Lady Be Good to Johnny Be Good!"
Swinging Southeast Michigan audiences for more than 30 years with a repertoire ranging from Duke Ellington and Miles Davis to Glenn Miller, Frank Sinatra, and the Blues Brothers, the II-V-I Orchestra sets the standard for versatility and useful music.
First and foremost this is a Jazz band. Milestone performances in recent years have included holiday performances of Duke Ellington's Nutcracker Suite and a regional first, a recreation of Miles Davis' historic 1949 "Birth of the Cool" band.
The Orchestra sets the right mood for wedding receptions or other parties, with elegantly arranged background music for dinner conversation, familiar standards right back to the 40s that all generations can enjoy, and rousing Motown and R&B numbers to party away the night. Specialty dances and requests are welcome.
On this site you can read more about the Orchestra's history, see pictures and listen to audio, read reviews and testimonials, and find out how to book the Orchestra for your special occasion. Free MP3 samples are on the Sounds page. Find out where to see us next on the Schedule page. See the History page for more information about past gigs, the players, and the music, spanning more than 3 decades. The Bookings page has all the info to book the band.
For a concert that will be a cultural event or a party for the ages, the II-V-I Orchestra is ready to fill the bill.