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Knoxville Jazz Orchestra featuring Donald Brown
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Knoxville Jazz Orchestra
The Knoxville Jazz Orchestra was founded in 1999 by trumpeter, arranger and composer Vance Thompson. Since that time, the band has appeared on jazz festivals in the United States and Europe, released four critically acclaimed CD recordings and presented scores of concerts, many featuring world renowned guest artists.

Vance Thompson, founder and prime motivator of this ambitious endeavor, received a Master of Music degree from DePaul University with emphasis on jazz trumpet. He has recorded and performed with Stefon Harris, Donald Brown, Greg Tardy, and many others. Somewhere along the way Mr. Thompson developed the skills to market and budget events as well as write grants, making it possible for the band to always move forward in its quest to promote great jazz.

The Knoxville Jazz Orchestra performs well over a dozen concerts each year and does its fair share of touring. Their home concerts are well known for featuring internationally acclaimed artists such as 
Christian McBride, Monty Alexander, Hank Jones, Mulgrew Miller, James Moody, and Marvin Stamm to name a few. Vance Thompson and The Knoxville Jazz Orchestra , with their passion, energy, and wherewithal to endure, have turned Knoxville, Tennessee into a mecca for jazz musicians and jazz lovers. Check out the Official KJO Website for upcoming concerts

Both of their albums released on Blue Canoe “The Road Less Traveled”and “Blues Man From Memphis” where produced and co-produced by Art Blakey veteran and artist, Donald Brown.
Read the full KJO Biography - click here
Download the full KJO Biography - click here
Download the Vance Thompson Bio - click here

LATEST RELEASE

Knoxville Jazz Orchestra The Road Less Traveled
Click Album Covers for more info
The Road Less Traveled
The road less traveled (2019)
Knoxville Jazz Orchestra - Blues Man From Memphis
Blues Man From Memphis (2007)
Donald Brown
Donald Brown on keys. DB was the composer and producer of this album.
Vance Thompson of the Knoxville Jazz Orchestra. Photo courtesy of Eric L. Smith and Bill Foster.
Vance Thompson of the Knoxville Jazz Orchestra. Photo courtesy of Eric L. Smith and Bill Foster.
KJO Leader Vance Thompson and Producer of Blue Man From Memphis, Donald Brown
KJO Leader Vance Thompson and Producer of Blues Man From Memphis, Donald Brown
From L to R: Donald Brown, John Clayton, Stefon Harris
From L to R: Donald Brown (keys/producer/composer), John Clayton (bass/featured guest), Stefon Harris (vibes/featured guest)
KJO Leader Vance Thompson.
KJO Leader Vance Thompson.
Knoxville Jazz Orchestra
Vance Thompson (Leader) with Producer Donald Brown
Knoxville Jazz Orchestra
Keith Brown. Photo credit Eric Smith.
Knoxville Jazz Orchestra
Tommy Sauter. Photo credit Eric Smith.
Knoxville Jazz Orchestra
KJO Saxophone Section. Photo credit Eric Smith.
Knoxville Jazz Orchestra
KJO Trumpet section. Photo credit Eric Smith.
Knoxville Jazz Orchestra
KJO Trombone section. Photo credit Eric Smith.
Knoxville Jazz Orchestra
Knoxville Jazz Orchestra - LIVE
* Photo at the top of this page by Eric L. Smith and Bill Foster. Courtesy of the KJO.

Related News Articles on Knoxville Jazz Orchestra

Road Less Traveled: Reflections from KJO Band Leader Vance Thompson - Click Here
The Modern Jazz Stylings of Blue Canoe Records - Click Here
Blues Man From Memphis - Knoxville Jazz Orchestra - Click Here
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