Simón Bolívar Big Band Jazz was established in November 2007 by Valdemar Rodríguez (director of the Simón Bolívar Conservatory of Music) and drummer Andrés Briceño with the idea of promoting and disseminating jazz music genres in Venezuela.
The group is made up of 40 students at the Simón Bolívar Conservatory of Music, an institution that is part of the National System of Youth and Children’s Orchestras of Venezuela—known to Americans by the shorthand appellation "El Sistema."
As part of ongoing engagement with El Sistema that led to the formation of the Abreu Fellows Program at New England Conservatory, NEC welcomes this Venezuelan jazz band to Boston.
Joining the Simón Bolívar band for a portion of this concert is drummer Rakalam Bob Moses of the NEC faculty.
Pierre Bertrand For JK, Grande Parade Boogaloo
Michel Camilo Just Kidding
Duke Ellington/Juan Tizol Caravan
Nick Lane Admiral Horn
Don Menza Time Check
Pat Metheny Have You Heard
Buddy Rich Big Schving Face
Richard Rodgers/Lorenz Hart My Funny Valentine
Aldemaro Romero El Catire
Andy Weiner Cruising for a Bluesing
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MILES DAVIS