American Jazz Orchestra

Jazz critic Gary Giddins advised producer Roberta Swann in 1985 to form a jazz repertory orchestra after she mentioned plans for a modern classical ensemble. John Lewis served as musical director when the American Jazz Orchestra gave its first concert in 1986, presenting works linked to Duke Ellington, Jimmie Lunceford, Fletcher Henderson, Count Basie, and Dizzy Gillespie. A pair of tribute recordings to Ellington and Lunceford followed, featuring all-star players who frequently reproduced solos from the original versions. The American Jazz Orchestra faded from the scene once funding disappeared in the early '90s.