The Iconic Jazz Legacies series continues with a spirited tribute to a pair of jazz icons, Billie Holiday and Louis Armstrong. Featuring acclaimed vocalist Meloney Collins and trumpeter/artistic director Bijon Watson, the concert will revisit some beloved standards from each as well as some festive yuletide classics, all backed by a rhythm section (piano, bass, drums) and 6-piece horn section.
About Meloney Collins
Mel Collins is a chanteuse, a songstress, a star in the mold of yesteryear’s greats. Based in Los Angeles, Mel Collins has performed all over the world, bringing the joy of her unique song stylings to thousands upon thousands of people. Whether it’s crooning a jazz standard or belting a pop hit, Mel consistently brings audiences to their feet. She’s warm and funny. Her joy is contagious. Let Mel Collins take you away, be it with her versatile ensemble, Standard Mel or the swinging’ big sounds of the D. Ben-jamin Big Band – wherever she’s going, you’ll want to go too.
About Bijon Watson
Grammy Award-winning trumpeter Bijon Watson’s career as a musician and educator spans more than 30 years and has taken him around the globe to perform for audiences worldwide. Born in Boston, Massachusetts, Bijon attended the New England Conservatory of Music Preparatory School, and the University of Southern California, and was a member of the 1994 Disney All-American College Band and 1995 Disney/Grammy All-American College Jazz Band. Bijon plays lead trumpet for the Grammy-nominated Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra, the Grammy-winning John Daversa Progressive Big Band, the Grammy-winning John Beasley’s Monkestra, José Rizo’s Jazz on the Latin Side All-Stars, the late Gerald Wilson Jazz Orchestra, and many other jazz, salsa, and pop bands throughout the United States. Most recently, in 2022,as co-leader with pianist/composer Steven Feifke, Bijon can be heard showcasing his talents not only on lead trumpet but as a featured soloist as well with their Grammy Award-winning Generation Gap Jazz Orchestra.
ENSEMBLE
Amy Bellamy, piano | Sean Farias, bass | Mark Walker, drums | Alex Lee-Clark, trumpet | Duane Benjamin, trombone & guitar | Brian Thomas, trombone | Bob Bowlby, alto sax | Mark Zaleski, tenor sax | Brian Landrus, baritone sax
