Jordan 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. These four students 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 since 1994, Jordan Jazz (AKA "JJ") promotes vocal jazz awareness, education, and entertainment. Membership in Jordan Jazz is open to all Butler students through annual spring auditions. JJ works with Clowes Memorial Hall to co-host such artists as The Four Freshmen, 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 worked with jazz legends Clio Lane, John Dankworth and Marvin Hamlisch. JJ has also worked with Manhattan Transfer, Rockapella, New York Voices, Bobby McFerrin and Elvis Costello. JJ performs regionally and nationally, most recently in the Ocho Rios International Jazz Festival in Jamaica, with the University Choir at the University of the West Indies, aboard a cruise and in various countries throughout the West Indies. Jordan Jazz is honored to represent the USA at the Pre-Olympic Arts Festival in China and at the Hong Kong Choral Jazz Festival in July, 2008.

Upcoming performances which are open to the public include SWEET JAZZ CABARETS (with the Butler Jazz Bands and guest director Dr. Ron McCurdy) on March 28-29 in the Grand Ballroom of the Indianapolis Scottish Rite Cathedral, throughout China during their PRE-OLYMPIC ARTS FESTIVAL, and at the HONG KONG CHORAL JAZZ FESTIVAL July 2-16, 2008. Closer to home; please look for Jordan Jazz as the hosts and headline performers for BUTLER'S VOCAL JAZZ FEST'08 this fall at Clowes Memorial Hall on Butler University's campus.

For booking information, please contact Dr. Tim Brimmer, Director of Choral Jazz Activities at Butler University's School of Music by email at tbrimmer@butler.edu.

Learn more about jazz studies at Butler University (PDF).