What we do

Phoenix Jazz Orchestra has its roots in The Jazz Project, under the direction of jazz pianist Don Scaletta. For many years, The Jazz Project impressed audiences with its tributes to jazz giant, Stan Kenton. In its Phoenix-like rebirth, PJO, directed by Gary Listort, is expanding in new directions not unlike Stan Kenton did decades ago.

While the music of Stan Kenton will remain an important part of the PJO performances, the group has also added arrangements performed by the big bands of Buddy Rich, Count Basie, Woody Herman, Maynard Ferguson, Thad Jones & Mel Lewis, Doc Severinsen, and Duke Ellington, to name a few. PJO is proud to perform these always fresh and uniquely compelling sounds that have forever changed the world of big band jazz. We look forward to presenting a cross section of some of the most spine-tingling powerful original compositions to the most sensitive of ballads, covering all styles of jazz.