Oattsnotes

I have been a great admirer of the Millennium Jazz Orchestra for many years and have seen the band perform under the leadership of Bill Holman, John Clayton. But especially I saw and heard the band grow the last years during the conducting period of the excellent leader Joan Reinders.

Yet of every concert I kept getting a feeling that I had rarely had when I was listening to other professional big bands. It is not easy to describe, but I try. I would say that it at least involves the blending of the dynamic force, together with the sharp unity of the orchestra.

However in addition to these two qualities – which are quite exceptional in themselves – I always encounter a third ingredient associated with this band; the degree of spontaneity that transforms every concert again into an incomparable experience.

After some guest appearances with Dick Oatts the basis had been established for a future recording with Dick and the Millennium Jazz Orchestra.

It has turned out to be a wonderful product with compositions of Joan Reinders and Dick Oatts who brought their superb class to the project. As a producer it was a giant experience to work with such an excellent combination of talents.

Bob Hagen (producer)