The Des Moines Big Band, a storied ensemble that goes back to the 1950s, has played with some of the greatest names in jazz, from legends like Clark Terry to some of the more local household names such as Scott Smith. Led by renowned trumpeter/arranger Dave Rezek, this organization is in residence at Noce on Wednesday nights.
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Philadelphia based saxophonist, composer and educator Chris Oatts has been hailed as “a force to be reckoned with,” by All About Jazz. Oatts has performed, recorded or toured with the likes of Seal, Jazz Orchestra of Philadelphia, Chelsea Reed and the Fair Weather Five, Terell Stafford, the Philly Pops, Prism Saxophone Quartet and the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra. Oatts is the nephew of alto saxophone great, Dick Oatts whose debut album as a leader, First Quintet was released in 2017. The record features all original compositions, which pay tribute to the rich tradition of jazz while simultaneously forging a unique and personal style.
Oatts is the founder and musical director of the South Philly Big Band, a group steeped in the tradition of the great big bands that continually commissions new works from Philadelphia composers. SPBB has performed shows with Walt Weiskopf, Ignacio Berroa and Gary Smulyan and in December 2017 released a Christmas EP of new imaginations of Christmas classics entitled, “SPBBXMAS.” The group maintains a residency in Philadelphia and plays host to a monthly Big Band Jam Session.
Currently, on faculty at Temple University, Oatts directs a dedicated saxophone group as well as the Swingin’ Owls – two 16 piece big bands that offer students and community members an opportunity to take part in playing iconic big band music. Oatts also teaches at the Shipley School located in Bryn Mawr, Pa, where he teaches Music Theory and Composition, small and large ensemble jazz playing, and private saxophone instruction.