WATCH, LOOK, & LISTEN!

About the Colorado Jazz Repertory Orchestra

Founded in 2012 by bandleader Art Bouton with a mission to perform the best music with the best musicians, the Colorado Jazz Repertory Orchestra does just that and more. Exciting world-renowned guest artists and many of the finest musicians in the region perform dynamic big band classics and contemporary jazz to enthusiastic crowds across Colorado.

Venues like the Arvada Center, PACE Center in Parker, Parsons Theatre in Northglenn, Lone Tree Arts Center, and Lakewood Cultural Center have heard music from Count Basie, Stan Kenton, Duke Ellington, Maynard Ferguson and Buddy Rich’s bands as well as original arrangements by CJRO composers and many more across the nation.

The CJRO is led by executive director and sax player, Art Bouton. In addition to the CJRO Art often performs with the DCPA Broadway, Colorado Symphony, Lone Tree Symphony Orchestra, and others. Art recently retired from the University of Denver, Lamont School of Music and devotes his time to the CJRO.

The organization welcomed Drew Zaremba as artistic director in 2020. A Selmer artist Drew enjoys a worldwide reputation as an award-winning writer, a passionate conductor, and fiery performer. In addition to writing music, Drew is an active saxophonist, keyboardist, and woodwind artist, and is an Assistant Professor of Music in the School of Music at the University of Northern Colorado, where he teaches jazz composition, arranging, and more.

LISTEN ON

Albums

Colorado Jazz Repertory Orchestra: Compared to What [2023]

The latest studio recording by the CJRO featuring guest vocalist Larry Braggs!

After performing live shows with Larry Braggs in 2021 and 2022, the CJRO headed to the studio to bring you the fabulous collection of tunes on Compared to What with Larry Braggs (Tower of Power, The Temptations). This fresh blend of jazz and soul features new compositions and arrangements by CJRO artistic director Drew Zaremba, as well as CJRO members Paul McKee, Zach Rich and Remy Le Boeuf.

Colorado Jazz Repertory Orchestra: Invitation [2016]

Midwest Records, Chris Spector:

“Shows what happens when you corral the creme of the crop and let them play their hearts out.”

All About Jazz, Jack Bowers:

“…splendid, tight ensemble work by brass and reeds amplifying terrific support from the orchestra’s sure-handed rhythm section.”

Cadence Magazine, Robert Rusch:

“This band has it together for good listening.”

Colorado Jazz Repertory Orchestra: Overjoyed [2019]

One reason the CJRO is unique is the quality of our composers and arrangers, so the idea behind this project was to invite the arrangers to choose their favorite Stevie Wonder songs and develop them for the band to record. Stevie Wonder’s melodies are so powerful that they serve as inspiration to many music artists. To make that point, listen to “Living for the City,” or “Too High.” Vocalists Robert Johnson and Heidi Schmidt perform beautifully on four of these selections, maintaining the vibe of Stevie’s music while the band twists and turns around them. My philosophy behind leading the CJRO is to hire the best musicians and get out of the way. A final thanks to Drew Zaremba, who proved invaluable directing the band during the recording. Enjoy!

- Art Bouton, Founder & Director