Jazz Lover - Fox Big Band Plays Basie at Birdland

🎷🎺 A Calgary jazz opportunity awaits, Jazz Lover! 🎷

Jazz Lover, Step into the legendary Basie Big Band era with the Fox Big Band as they pay tribute to one of jazz’s most electrifying live recordings: Basie at Birdland.

Recorded over two nights in June 1961 at New York’s iconic Birdland club, Basie at Birdland captured the Count Basie Orchestra at the height of its powers. The album is a masterclass in dynamic ensemble playing, and critics have praised it as one of Basie’s most enjoyable live recordings, showcasing his unmatched ability to drive a band with clarity and swing.

The Count Basie Orchestra became a cornerstone of American jazz. Known for its tight arrangements, powerful brass sections, and a rhythm unit that set the standard for generations, the band featured some of the greatest soloists in jazz history.

Fox Big Band brings that same spirit to life. Whether you're a longtime jazz fan or new to the genre, this afternoon concert promises to be a celebration of timeless music, rich in rhythm and full of character.

Under the direction of Brandon Oberhamer, FOX BIG BAND continues to captivate audiences in Calgary, performing at premier venues like the Ironwood Stage and Grill. Following sold-out collaborations with JazzYYC, featuring the sensational Benny Benack III, the band recorded a live CD, set for release this summer. Another packed house at the Ironwood welcomed internationally acclaimed saxophonist Seamus Blake.

With a powerful 13-piece horn section, a full rhythm section, and featured vocalists and guest artists, the band’s modern big band arrangements blend blues, Latin jazz, rock, funk, bebop, fusion, and contemporary styles. Whether roaring with big band energy or delivering an intimate ballad, FOX BIG BAND promises a dynamic experience.

Featuring some of Calgary’s finest jazz musicians, the band showcases masterful solos and tight ensemble playing across a repertoire spanning Pat Metheny, Phil Collins, Gordon Goodwin’s Big Phat Band, and classic jazz legends like Count Basie, Buddy Rich, and Duke Ellington. Recent performances have paid tribute to Charlie Parker, Charles Mingus, Count Basie, Buddy Rich, Miles Davis, and more.

Originally founded in the 1980s by Calgary-based trumpeter, bassist, and arranger Doug Fox, FOX BIG BAND remains a cornerstone of the local jazz scene.