Header image  

Authentic Swing. Repertoire and Reputation. Charts and Chops.

 

 
 
 
 
repertoire and reputation
 
charts and chops

Over many years, the Junius Courtney Big Band has developed a top-tier level of professionalism and musical dexterity. At the core of the band is a solid and exciting array of jazz material and a formidable level of musical execution. This exciting combination of “charts and chops” makes the band especially powerful and appealing.

the book

With 300 tunes to choose from, the Junius Courtney Big Band’s “book” offers a wide assortment of jazz standards, originals and Latin jazz pieces: from the early days of jazz, through the swing era, the classics of Basie and Ellington, big band blues, and into the freshness of Thad Jones, Bob Mintzer and new, contemporary writing. From the intensely up-tempo to romantic ballads and boleros, the band adds exquisite vocal numbers, attuned to both concert and dance settings.



the arrangements

 

Jerry Cournoyer, noted trumpeter, past manager of the San Francisco Ballet and music mentor, arranged for the Junius Courtney Big Band for decades until his passing a few years ago. His genius and creativity informs many of the band’s charts, extending an intricacy, sophistication and surprise to the tunes that set this band apart from the usual. Cournoyer’s multi-layered take on standards and lush renderings of his own originals set a new standard for big band writing. There’s nothing “stock” about the Junius Courtney Big Band arrangements, as Cournoyer’s work is augmented by contributions from other band members, including gutsy blues from Frank Fisher, clear lines from Roberta Mandel and authentic swing from the pen of Junius Courtney.

the players

the saxes of evil Andres Soto - Lead Alto Sax, feature soloist
Sam Flores - Lead Tenor Sax, feature soloist
James Nelson - Alto Sax
Jerry Povse - Tenor Sax
Jim Newman - Baritone Sax
Susan Glascock - Alto and Baritone Sax
Nzingah Smith - Flute and Tenor Sax
the bones of contention Curtiss Mays - Lead Trombone
Mike Lafferty - Trombone, feature soloist
Pat Mullan - Trombone, band manager
Kerry Davis - Bass Trombone
Marcus Bell - Trombone
trumpets William Mitchell - Lead Trumpet, feature soloist
Frank Fisher - Trumpet, feature soloist
Duane Worm - Trumpet, feature soloist
Paul Giosetto - Trumpet, feature soloist
George Spencer - Trumpet, feature soloist, musical director
James Tinsley - Trumpet
rhythm Roberta Mandel - Piano
Terry Hilliard - Bass
Ken Husbands - Guitar
Nat Courtney - Drums, Vocals, band leader
vocals Denise Perrier - Feature Vocalist