International Big Band Directory ibd

ProfessionalBigBand

Trondheim Jazz Orchestra is one of the most important and creative jazz ensembles in Norway. During the course of the last twentyfive years, the orchestra has had a great number of exciting projects with norwegian and international jazz profiles such as Chick Corea, Pat Metheny, Joshua Redman, Jason Moran, Bill Frisell, Erlend Skomsvoll, Eirik Hegdal, Sofia Jernberg, Maria Kannegaard, Kim Myhr, Jenny Hval, Stian Westerhus, Ståle Storløkken, Kristoffer Lo, Marius Neset, Espen Berg, Signe Emmeluth, Johan Lindvall, Hedvig M. Thomassen, GURLS/Hanna Paulsberg, Marianna Sangita, I like to sleep, among others. The orchestra belongs to the Mid-Norway Centre of Jazz who initiates and organises new projects. The orchestra is operated as a musicians' pool, so that the orchestra changes as to instrumentation and size from project to project. This gives room for great width in the repertory. The musicians that has been involved in the orchestra is among Norway's most famous jazz profiles. Artistic director 2014-2025 has been bass player/composer Ole Morten Vaagan. From 2026 the artistic director is Heida Karine Johannesdottir Mobeck (38, tuba/electronics)

SemiProfBigBand

Based in the Sydney suburb of Lane Cove, Horns Plus Big Band creates the infectious energy and distinctive feel unique to big-band jazz. With the classic line-up of four trumpets, four trombones, five saxes, and full rhythm section, plus female vocalist, we showcase a variety of styles, from swing through to contemporary big-band charts. With a repertoire that can be tailored to the occasion, Horns Plus is available for weekend and evening engagements. We take bookings for all occasions and have performed at jazz festivals, private and corporate functions, charity fundraisers, general admission gigs, and community events. Horns Plus is directed by acclaimed trumpet player Bob Coassin (Ray Charles, Buddy Rich, James Last, Peter Herbolzheimer etc.)

SemiProfBigBand

A High Energy Jazz Swing Big Band from the land 'Down Under' playing all the 'Lindy Hop' hits from past and present. The Oz Big Band are dedicated to recreating the music and energy of the great big bands of the 30s, 40s and 50s. Formed in 1985, this 18-piece outfit has become popular amongst the Lindy Hop and Swing Dance scenes around Australia for its authenticity and high energy. Touring regularly around Australia, the Oz Big Band plays the music of Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Tommy Dorsey, Jimmie Lunceford, Benny Goodman, Fletcher Henderson, Ella Fitzgerald, Peggy Lee and many more. A regular house band at The Mustang Bar in Northbridge, Western Australia, the Oz Big Band knows how to "wind it up, and let it go!" Musical Director: Adrian Hicks

ProfessionalBigBand

Im Zurich Jazz Orchestra treffen sich 18 Musiker, welche sich in der Schweiz längst „Gehör verschafft“ haben, zu regelmässiger, intensiver Probearbeit. Konzerte auf höchstem Niveau, unterschiedliche Programme von Mainstream bis zu heutigem orchestralem Big Band-Sound und mitreissenden Improvisationen der Solisten können nur so gewährleistet werden. Präzise und trotzdem entspannt, mit Druck und gleichwohl dynamisch swingt die Band fast unschweizerisch explosiv. Jazz, wie ihn eben nur ein grosses Orchester erzeugen kann. Die 2018 erschienene CD "Three Pictures" erhielt vom Online-Magazin "All About Jazz" das Prädikat "Best big band album of the year" (Dan McClenaghan's Best Releases Of 2018). Ed Partyka ist ab der Saison 20/21 neuer musikalischer Leiter des Zurich Jazz Orchestra, Bettina Uhlmann übernimmt weiterhin die Geschäftsleitung, Daniel Schenker bleibt nach zwei Jahren interimistischer Leitung Co-Leader und Steffen Schorn arbeitet weiterhin als Composer in Residence. Seit 2022 spielte das ZJO unter der Leitung von Ed Partyka mit Robben Ford, Ola Onabulé, Viviane de Farias, Karolina Strassmayer, Thomas Gansch, Melissa Aldana und vielen anderen. 2025 erschien "Hot Feet", ein Album mit Thomas Gansch.

AmateurBigBand

Midnight Blue Jazz Society is a 17-piece big band based in Calgary, Alberta, performing music ranging from classic 1940s swing and jazz standards to blues, Latin, funk, and modern big band arrangements. The band performs regularly at public concerts, festivals, fundraisers, corporate events, and private functions, and has appeared across Canada and internationally, including performances on Vancouver Island, in the Northwest Territories, and in Cuba. Midnight Blue Jazz Society is a registered not-for-profit organization focused on musical excellence, community engagement, and providing performance opportunities in a supportive, educational environment.