Imagine a sound-filled journey that starts with dancing to a funky version of the Beatles’ “Come Together”, then basking in the sun to a Latin rendition of “All The Things You Are”. Just as you’re settling down, you’re whisked away to a 1950’s Jazz Club and in walks Miles Davis with his upbeat tune “Milestones”. After a comical version of The Simpsons TV theme you’re in the middle of concert featuring soul geniuses Tower of Power and Earth Wind, and Fire, followed by a smooth trip to the Motor City with Stevie Wonder. Before your musical journey finishes, you’ve experienced Sting, Buddy Rich, John Williams, Average White Band, The Blues Brothers, Isaac Hayes, Chuck Mangione, Marvin Gaye and many more.
Stage Music Big Band: A true 18-Piece big band featuring a 5-piece Sax Section that churns out whirling melodies, a Trombone Section that Roars, and Trumpets that deliver a “Knock-Out Punch”. Backing that up is a Sophisticated Rhythm Section that can Swing Hard, Lay Down the Funk, Rock-Out, Set a Smooth Groove, Get Latin and Romance a Love Song.
For SMBB, the music comes first and foremost. The concept and driving force motivating this group is the decision of its members to play a huge variety of music that touches on many genres. To accomplish this, demands players whose backgrounds and training can tackle multiple styles of playing and whose dedication to the music leaves no room for compromise.
The SMBB formed in the Fall of 2008 in Utica, NY and began playing in public within about a month of their first rehearsal. The idea for this group developed after the former Utica College Stage Band (UCSB) disbanded. With a void left by the UCSB, and with the encouragement of well-known musician/director Mike DiMeo, former members Scott Madonia, Curtis Karwacki and Joe Karwacki met and discussed the idea of forming a group that would explore a wide variety of genres. After much research for modern charts, the excitement over the new musical selections was immediate. Soon it became apparent that other local talents were also in search of a venue to express themselves in a multitude of styles and songs.
Featured charts include compositions and songs by Lennon/McCartney, Miles Davis, Earth Wind and Fire, Tower of Power, Charles Mingus and Charlie Parker, Sly and the Family Stone, Average White Band, Weather Report, Marvin Gaye, The Police, Chicago, Danny Elfman, Jerome Kern, Oscar Hammerstein, Stevie Wonder, Chick Corea, Glenn Miller, Buddy Rich, Yoko Kanno, Leonard Bernstein, Isaac Hayes, Chuck Mangione, Spyro Gyra, Santana, John Williams, and more.