JazzNation

Chris Pitts Jazz Quartet this Friday in Central Square - https://mailchi.mp/b3bdbcd4d594/cjoeast-18257030

I love playing these sessions on Sundays in Portland. The session features Tracy McMullen on sax. Bill Morrison on bass, Tom Papell on piano and Eric Landau on drums. This day Tracy couldn't make it so I filled in. Some wonderful musicians sit in including Jordan Bicki on guitar yesterday.

Chris Pitts Jazz Quartet this Friday in Central Square and the Jazz Barracudas at Trio on Sept 14 - https://mailchi.mp/bf5714641684/cjoeast-18253550

REMINDER: Chris Pitts Jazz Quartet and Irish Fiddler Isabel Oliart July 22nd, 7pm Allen House - https://mailchi.mp/d9f45efe55fe/cjoeast-18252545

Chris Pitts Jazz Quartet 30 minute Pop Up Concert July 22 7pm Allen House - https://mailchi.mp/5d9a81ee924a/cjoeast-18252303

Contemporary Jazz Orchestra June 8th noon to 2:20 Highlands Village Day - https://mailchi.mp/b569f69ffca8/cjoeast-18251366

Apologies for running out of chairs at City Hall for our May 20th debut. Please come see us at Highlands Village Day June 8th from Noon - 2:20

Who knew we would run out of chairs! Packed house, even in the mezzanine. Thanks to everyone for making it happen.

Contemporary Jazz Orchestra Tuesday, May 20th, 7:30 PM at Newton War Memorial - https://mailchi.mp/5ffa5873406c/cjoeast-18250494

Contemporary Jazz Orchestra East to Debut with Star-Studded Performance May 20th
Newton, MA—On Tuesday, May 20th, acclaimed saxophonist and bandleader Christopher Pitts proudly debuts the Contemporary Jazz Orchestra East (CJO East) in an electrifying concert showcasing an extraordinary lineup of internationally renowned jazz musicians. The performance takes place at Newton City Hall/War Memorial, beginning at 7:30 PM.”I’ve been waiting for a long time to get my big band back together. There is nothing like a modern, no-holds-barred, blowing big band swinging great music!” The main sponsor is the Village Bank and admission is free to the public. This concert is part of the Linda Plaut Festival of the Arts program and is supported by Newton Community Pride in partnership with the City of Newton.

Originally founded in San Francisco, the 18-piece Contemporary Jazz Orchestra is an ensemble steeped in the vibrant tradition of big band jazz, blending dynamic arrangements with adventurous improvisation. Led by Pitts, whose extensive performance credits include collaborations with legends such as Dizzy Gillespie, Clark Terry, J.C. Heard, Regina Carter, Aretha Franklin and Thad Jones, the orchestra promises an unforgettable evening of musical excellence.

Featured Artists Include:
Christopher Pitts (Saxophone, Band Leader): Praised by JazzTimes for his deep immersion in jazz tradition, Pitts is a seasoned performer and producer with an illustrious career.
George W. Russell Jr. (Piano): Esteemed pianist known for fusing gospel, jazz, and soul; Chair of Harmony and Jazz Composition at Berklee.
Wes Wirth (Bass): Acclaimed composer and bassist, Wirth has recorded with Chuck Mangione, Stanley Jordan, and King Sunny Ade.
Mark Walker (Drums): Grammy Award-winning drummer whose expansive career spans collaborations with Paquito D’Rivera, Oregon, and Michel Camilo.
Greg Hopkins (Trumpet): Renowned trumpeter and well-known big band leader, composer, and arranger, Hopkins has performed with legends like Dizzy Gillespie, Ella Fitzgerald, and Buddy Rich, and leads the prestigious Berklee Concert Jazz Orchestra.
Bijon Watson (Lead Trumpet): Grammy Award-winning trumpeter whose prolific career includes performances with Natalie Cole, Michael Bublé, Lady Gaga, and orchestras worldwide.
Lihi Haruvi (Alto Saxophone): Known for her soulful improvisations, Haruvi has performed with jazz luminaries including Danilo Pérez, Luciana Souza, and George Garzone. She is a distinguished faculty member at Berklee College of Music and New England Conservatory.
Shannon LeClaire (Lead Alto Saxophone): Berklee Associate Professor celebrated for her collaborations with top jazz ensembles and mentorship of emerging talents.
Rick DiMuzio (Tenor Saxophone): Veteran saxophonist and composer, DiMuzio has performed globally alongside artists like Esperanza Spalding and Terri Lyne Carrington.
Philippe Cretien (Tenor Saxophone) Recorded three CD’s as a leader. Artistic director of the Toulon International Jazz Festival. Jazz band director and Jazz Chair at The Rivers School.
Ben Whiting (Baritone Saxophone): Rising talent regularly featured in prominent Boston jazz ensembles.
Akili Jamal Haynes (Trumpet): ​mentored by Wynton Marsalis, performs on trombone, trumpet and acoustic bass.
Douglas Olsen (Trumpet): A prominent New England trumpeter featured with bands like Iguie Castrillo Latin Jazz Orchestra and Tommy Dorsey Orchestra.
Artie Montanaro (Trombone): Accomplished performer with Kenny Hadley Big Band and the John Allmark Jazz Orchestra.
Jeff Galindo (Trombone): Esteemed trombonist, former musical director for Esperanza Spalding, with global touring experience.
Pete Fanelli (Trombone): An active performer across diverse musical genres, including jazz, klezmer, and theater orchestras.
Peter Cirelli (Bass Trombone): Experienced educator and performer in symphonic, jazz, and musical theater orchestras across Boston.
More information at: https://jazznation.com/contemporary-jazz-orchestra/

This special debut event promises a thrilling exploration of innovative, swinging jazz, delivered by some of the genre’s finest musicians.

Event Details:

Date: Tuesday, May 20, 2025

Time: 7:30 PM

Location: Newton City Hall/War Memorial

Admission: Free

Join us for an evening that brings the modern jazz big band to Newton.

About Christopher Pitts:
A prominent figure in the jazz community, Christopher Pitts has performed extensively across North America and Europe. Beyond his performances, Pitts is a dedicated arts advocate, producing the acclaimed Newton Piano Summit and Linda Plaut Festival of the Arts 2000-2024, and has served as co-chair of the Newton Cultural Council.

For media inquiries, artist interviews, and further information, contact Christopher Pitts at [email protected] 617 515-7579

Contemporary Jazz Orchestra East: Modern Jazz Big Band

Contemporary Jazz Orchestra – Christopher Bonnier Pitts Contemporary Jazz Orchestra ​ # # # Contemporary Jazz Orchestra East ​”I’ve been waiting for a long time to get my big band back together. There is nothing like a modern, no-holds-barred, blowing big band swinging great music!” Christopher Pitts, saxophone and CJO director: “A saxophonist ...

Big bands are in my DNA. After playing in many great bands in my formative years and leading the Contemporary Jazz Orchestra West for a decade in San Francisco, I am excited to introduce the Contemporary Jazz Orchestra East, with a debut performance on Tuesday, May 20th at 7:30 PM at Newton's War Memorial Auditorium.

The Contemporary Jazz Orchestra East is comprised of top musicians from the Boston region including Pianist George Russell Jr., Drummer Mark Walker, Lead Alto Saxophonist Shannon LeClaire, Bassist Wes Wirth, Lead Trumpet Bijan Watson, Lead Trombonist Pete Fanelli (not pictured), and Bass Trombonist Peter Cirelli (not pictured).

This debut concert will feature music from some of the greatest names in jazz, including Dizzy Gillespie, Thad Jones, Charles Mingus, Duke Ellington, Frank Foster, and more. Audiences can expect powerful, swinging, expertly crafted arrangements performed with passion and precision. As a producer, my goal is simple and direct — to present remarkable performances that demonstrate a profound dedication to the artistry and craft of music.

For more information on this and other musical endeavors, visit my official website Jazznation.com. Music from the Contemporary Jazz Orchestra West can be found on iTunes. https://music.apple.com/us/artist/contemporary-jazz-orchestra/178154941

This event is sponsored by the Village Bank and Newton Community Pride as part of the Linda Plaut Festival of the Arts. The concert is free to the public, but seating is limited.