Thin Air Jazz is a 12 piece big band that has its origins in the San Francisco based Collective West Jazz Orchestra which was loosely based on the Maynard Ferguson Big Band of the late 50’s, early 60’s as well as the Gerry Mulligan Concert Jazz Band of the same time period.

             The band is very strong in paying tribute to the great bands that came before it. During any given performance, compositions by Neal Hefti or Sammy Nestico are played to pay homage to The Count Basie Band. There are charts from the Ellington library as well as the Woody Herman library and of course charts from Maynard’s book and Mulligan’s book as well. Along with all this great music are original compositions and arrangements specifically written for this band.

            As with the great big bands that have come before it, Thin Air is made up of musicians that are not only excellent ensemble players but also great jazz soloists. This strength of improvisation in the band keeps every performance fresh and the excitement level high.

           Whether the band is playing a Swing tune, a Latin tune, a slow blues or a funk tune, the rhythm section provides the perfect foundation for the soloists as well as the full band ensemble sections.

Again, thank you and blessings,

Phil