Portland Jazz Orchestra Bio

Started in 2004, the Portland Jazz Orchestra is 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. PJO also enjoys performing literature composed by a wide variety of jazz artists including such luminaries as Frank Foster, Eric Richards, Mary Lou Williams, Gerry Mulligan, Bill Holman, Maria Schneider, Gordon Goodwin and Annie Booth. The diversity of repertoire the PJO performs may also be heard when they perform classic works from the 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 Smithsonian Masterworks Jazz Orchestra, the Jimmy Dorsey Orchestra and the Glenn Miller Orchestra.

Part of PJO’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 the 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, John Foss and Gerry Wright. PJO’s latest release pays tribute to their long-standing gig at One Longfellow Square in Portland, ME.

To listen to our most recent recording, please check out The Portland Jazz Orchestra – “Live at One Longfellow Square.” This recording took place at PJO’s long-time “house gig” at Portland’s wonderful venue, One Longfellow Square. PJO has been performing monthly at OLS since 2007 and they look 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 feel free to contact us at portladjazzorchestra@gmail.com.

Portland Jazz Orchestra Logo

Portland Jazz Orchestra High-Res Photos