“This fantastic big band packs an irresistible wallop of musical entertainment – spirited, talented and fun!” says Grand River Jazz Society’s president Stephen Preece.
Since its inception in October 2011, the band has brought a great variety of programs to their audiences: from Count Basie and the old swing dance classics, to punchy horn bands of the 70’s and 80’s, as well as contemporary big band arrangements by Gordon Goodwin and L.A.’s Big Phat Band. Under the artistic direction of Jim Edwards, BBT has started to feature many arrangements by members of the band, other Canadian musical connections, and of course many by Jim himself.
A highlight in their history has been performing on three occasions with legendary Canadian jazz musician, Don Thompson on vibraphone and can be heard on Big Band Theory’s debut CD Evidence. As well, BBT has performed the music and arrangements of Juno award-winner John MacLeod of the Rex Hotel Orchestra and Juno award-winner Michael Occhipinti. In December of 2018, BBT released their second recording entitled: “A Swingin’ Joy” which features the voices of Derek Hines, Joni NehRita and Randy Lyght.
In June of 2019, Glenn Woodock of Jazz FM 91.1 wrote that KW Big Band Theory was one of 14 bands in North America keeping the sound of big band music alive.
BBT has twice been the recipient of Waterloo Regional Arts Grant, and most recently has produced a very special recording featuring entirely Canadian jazz composers and arrangers which will be very soon on all streaming platforms. The Jazz Room performance on March 14 will feature a number of selections from this exciting project
Check out: The Big Band Theory video on their website
