The reorganized Big Band Express is ready for its close-up.
The Tucson Jazz Society is bringing BBE to St. Philip's Plaza Sunday along with special guest artists Crystal Stark, vocalist, and Christine Vivona, jazz harp.
After the 16-piece swing band found itself in limbo last year with the retirement of founder, singer and drummer Tom Patrick, the musicians pulled themselves together under the leadership of alto saxophonist and University of Arizona music professor Kelland Thomas. Gathering momentum, the BBE started playing again in January.
Booking monthly gigs at Gaslight Theatre with new drummer Pete Swan, the downbeats regained their strength, the section work got tighter. Some new arrangements went into the book.
"My vision is to make sure Big Band Express has legs and will continue, no matter who comes and goes," says Thomas, who played lead alto sax under Patrick for three years. "The band is also ramping up to what I call BBE 2.0."
People are also reading…
The monthly Monday appearances onstage at Gaslight Theatre will continue indefinitely, with different singers joining in as guest artists.
"Tom played and sang, so we have Pete playing drums and we'll bring in different singers. These will be people we want to work with, people we love as people.
"We're crazy about Crystal (Stark)," Thomas adds. "She brings a great sensibility to the band."
But Thomas was reluctant to reveal too much about the song list for Sunday's program in the plaza, being especially mum about whether Stark and Vivona would be sharing time out front together.
"We want to have a few surprises. Christine has been with us several times. She did a couple of Gaslight gigs with us, too," he says.
"Because the TJS concert is more of a showcase for the band, we are going to bring out some of our bigger pieces."
Expect to hear "Take the 'A' Train," "Fascinatin' Rhythm" and "In the Mood," said Thomas, as well as some Chick Corea.
"I just love to play this kind of music," Thomas said of his motivation for being leader. "Big Band Express has been a part of this community for more than 15 years. "There is something worthwhile here that speaks across the generations, that deserves to be heard."
Both Crystal Stark and Christine Vivona have performed with the band on several occasions.
Since becoming a finalist on television's "America Idol" in Season 5, Stark has enjoyed a high profile on the Tucson scene, singing her unique blend of jazz, soul, R&B and gospel.
She has performed on the "Today" show, "Regis & Kelly," and the "Tonight Show With Jay Leno," as well as Disney World's "Night of Joy" concert of Christian and gospel music. She is included on a recording featuring independent Christian artists of 2008.
Vivona received her master of music from the Juilliard School and her doctorate in harp performance from the University of Arizona. She has been a member of the Tucson Symphony Orchestra since 1986.
She also recorded an album of jazz standards, "Red Hot and Blue," and has appeared on albums by Linda Ronstadt and Nils Lofgren.
IF YOU GO
Big Band Express with special guests Crystal Stark, vocals, and Christine Vivona, jazz harp
• When: 7 p.m. Sunday.
• Where: St. Philip's Plaza, North Campbell Avenue at East River Road.
• Tickets: $20 general admission, $15 TJS members and active-duty military with ID, $10 students
• Information, reservations: 520-903-1265, or online at www.tucsonjazz.org
Chuck Graham has written about Tucson arts for more than 35 years. Read more at "Let the Show Begin," www.tucsonstage.com
