CJRO: “Golden Lady” Album Release Party featuring Tatiana LadyMay Mayfield

The Colorado Jazz Repertory Orchestra (CJRO) recently released its most ambitious and soulful project yet—"Golden Lady", a genre-defying album that showcases the power, passion, and virtuosity of featured vocalist Tatiana LadyMay Mayfield. Infused with deep gospel roots, modern R&B, and explosive jazz big band energy, “Golden Lady” is a groove-forward, joy-filled celebration of songwriting, artistic collaboration, and the ever-evolving sound of contemporary jazz.

At the heart of the album is the title track, a reimagined mashup of Stevie Wonder’s "Golden Lady" and Jill Scott’s "Golden", arranged by CJRO Artistic Director, Drew Zaremba. First performed live in 2023 to overwhelming audience acclaim, the track became the foundation for the album’s sound: a fusion of 90s/00s hip-hop, modern funk, and intricate jazz orchestration. The project expands on this blueprint with a mix of original compositions and covers, curated by Zaremba and Mayfield to highlight the legacy of influential Black women songwriters.

Drew Zaremba, Artistic Director

"Golden Lady is Tatiana. This album is a celebration of her artistry and a way to introduce her brilliance to Colorado and beyond," says Zaremba.

For this album, the CJRO brought six composers, three additional vocalists, and a powerhouse rhythm section together, creating a unique fusion of contemporary jazz, gospel, and R&B within a big band framework. The result is a danceable, joyful, and deeply expressive record that invites audiences to move, feel, and celebrate life.

"This isn’t just another big band record—it’s a statement," says Zaremba. "We wanted to show that a jazz orchestra can honor this music authentically, bringing our own artistic voice while staying true to [it’s] soulful, groove-driven roots."

Tatiana LadyMay Mayfield is an internationally celebrated vocalist who performs and teaches with organizations throughout the country. Based in Denver, she is the Assistant Professor of Contemporary Popular Music at the University of Denver, Lamont School of Music.

The CJRO is one of the premier jazz ensembles in the region, featuring top-tier musicians dedicated to honoring and expanding the jazz tradition. Known for their innovative programming and electrifying performances, the CJRO continues to push boundaries while preserving the rich legacy of jazz. “Golden Lady” is the CJRO’s fourth album release since 2017.

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