About PJO
Started in 2004, the Portland Jazz Orchestra has been Maine’s premier concert jazz ensemble. Under the direction of Dr. Christopher Oberholtzer, this 17-piece jazz ensemble performs a variety of traditional and contemporary big band literature. PJO enjoys playing works written by both current and past members including Brad Ciechomski, Chris Humphrey, Andrew Halchak, Mike Sakash, Craig Skeffington, Jake Sturtevant and Terry White. Additionally, PJO often performs literature composed by a wide variety of jazz artists including such luminaries as Frank Foster, Mary Lou Williams, Gerry Mulligan, Bill Holman, Maria Schneider, Eric Richards, Gordon Goodwin and Annie Booth. The diversity of repertoire PJO performs may also be heard when they perform classic works from the big band libraries of bands such as the Count Basie Orchestra, the Woody Herman Orchestra, Duke Ellington’s Orchestra and the Stan Kenton Orchestra.
PJO is made up of professional musicians, many of whom are both performers and educators in Northern New England. Members of the Portland Jazz Orchestra have performed, recorded and toured with numerous artists and groups such as; Natalie Cole, Tony Bennett, Herb Pomeroy, Marvin Stamm, Barry Manilow, Roberta Flack, the Temptations, the Artie Shaw Orchestra, the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra, the Smithsonian Masterworks Jazz Orchestra, the Jimmy Dorsey Orchestra and the Glenn Miller Orchestra.
Part of the Portland Jazz Orchestra’s mission is to bring prominent guest artists to the area. Performances of this nature would include guest artists such as Bob Mintzer, the New York Voices, Wayne Bergeron, Wycliffe Gordon, Conrad Herwig, Graham Breedlove, Ellen Rowe, Trent Austin, Bijon Watson, Jeff Coffin and Darmon Meader.
In addition to an active performance schedule, you may hear PJO on their debut recording, Nor'easter. This recording features many original compositions and arrangements. Nicholas F. Mondello, a writer for the internationally acclaimed website, All About Jazz had this to say about Nor'easter, "... In meteorological terms, a nor'easter describes a weather event—a storm of rain, wind, and biting chill. With Nor'easter, Portland Jazz Orchestra does, indeed, storm on with terrific charts, absolutely first-rate ensemble work and inspired solo playing that combines for a heavy downpour of talent and swing. Bundle up."
PJO’s second release, Generations, pays tribute to a number of Maine’s talented jazz musicians. This project again features the writing of band members as well as notable solo performances from some of Maine’s finest jazz musicians, Ralph Norris, Tony Boffa, Rick Gordon and Gerry Wright.
To listen to PJO’s most recent recording, please check out The Portland Jazz Orchestra – “Live at One Longfellow Square.” This recording took place one of PJO’s long-time “house gigs” at Portland’s wonderful venue, One Longfellow Square. Performing at OLS is not new to the Portland Jazz Orchestra, they have been performing at OLS monthly, since 2007, and PJO looks forward to many shows to come!
In keeping with a deeply rooted educational background, the Portland Jazz Orchestra is available for clinics and/or school and public performances in the Northern New England area. For more information about the Portland Jazz Orchestra, please use the links available below or on the Contact page.
