Vocal Jazz

The history of vocal jazz at Butler University is rich and far-reaching. Jordan Jazz’ roots can be traced back as far as the 1960s, when the Butler “Swing choir” performed both vocal jazz and show choirs repertoire. However, long before Jordan Jazz was a mainstay on the Clowes Hall Stage, even before Clowes Memorial Hall existed, The Four Freshmen were actually music majors at Butler in 1947, who never became sophomores. In 1948, they left Butler University to sing jazz under the tutelage of Stan Kenton and his orchestra. The rest is history, which you can read about at www.amdest.com/stars/freshmen.html.

Under Dr. Brimmer’s leadership this past decade, Jordan Jazz (“JJ”) has become both a vocal jazz ensemble within the Music Department and a Student Government Association Student Organization with its own constitution and bylaws. Jordan Jazz’s mission is to actively promote vocal jazz awareness, education, and entertainment at Butler, in Midwest, and internationally. Membership in Jordan Jazz is open to all Butler students through annual spring auditions.

During Dr. Brimmer’s tenure, this ensemble has worked with Clowes Memorial Hall to co-host the “Four Freshmen Homecoming,” The Real Group from Stockholm, Sweden, and the gospel groups Take 6, and Mighty Clouds of Joy. Collaborating with the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, Jordan Jazz has worked with jazz legends Clio Lane and John Dankworth. Recently, JJ worked with Manhattan Transfer, Rockapella, New York Voices and Bobby McFerrin. Last summer, Dr. Brimmer and the Jordan Jazz accepted an invitation to perform in the Ocho Rios International Jazz Festival in Jamaica, and with the University Choir at the University of the West Indies. In the fall, Jordan Jazz worked with and performed for Elvis Costello and Marvin Hamlisch. Joining with Clowes Memorial Hall, JJ hosted the Butler 2005 Vocal Jazz Festival, featuring Marvin Hamlisch and Broadway legend Mark McVey.

On October 27-28, Jordan Jazz will host Vocal Jazz Fest 06, with Take 6 on October 27th. and the VJF Combined Choirs on October 28th. For more information, please click HERE or go to www.cloweshall.org.

The 06-07 school year will conclude with an international performing tour of New Orleans and Nassau Crui