Desert Island Discs: Nancy Wilson/Cannonball Adderley & Bill Evans With vocalist Hannah Rodriguez

The Colorado Jazz Repertory Orchestra’s small band celebrates three legendary artists who helped define the sound of modern jazz. Desert Island Discs pays tribute to the timeless music of Nancy Wilson, Cannonball Adderley, and Bill Evans—each a master in their own right. This concert is a must-hear celebration of artistry, influence, and the enduring brilliance of jazz’s golden era.

The series features many popular CJRO musicians including

Gabriel Mervine (Trumpet), Art Bouton (Saxophone), Eric Gunnison (Piano), Eric Hitt (Bass), and Mike Marlier (Drums).

Nancy Wilson was a Grammy-winning vocalist whose elegant phrasing and emotional storytelling spanned jazz, soul, and pop across more than 70 albums. Saxophonist Cannonball Adderley, known for his exuberant tone and blues-inflected style, rose to fame with Miles Davis on Kind of Blue and led his own soulful, genre-blending ensembles, producing hits like “Mercy, Mercy, Mercy.” Pianist Bill Evans reshaped jazz piano with his introspective touch, most famously contributing to Kind of Blue and pioneering the conversational trio format in albums like Waltz for Debby. Together, their artistry helped define the sound and spirit of modern jazz.

Vocalist Hannah Rodgriguez is the featured artist at the Muse on November 9. She is an award-winning vocalist, multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, and teacher based in Northern Colorado. Influenced heavily by jazz, rock, and pop, Hannah has a passion for writing songs and experimenting with blending styles. Her variety of talents have been recognized by Downbeat Magazine in 2018 and 2022, and by the 2021 Sonic Spotlight competition put on by Fort Collins Museum of Discovery and the Bohemian Foundation.

Experience the Colorado Jazz Repertory Orchestra!

Prepare to be blown away by the CJRO—a powerhouse ensemble known for pushing the boundaries of traditional big and small band jazz. The CJRO brings a bold new sound to the stage, blending classic, soul, and Latin jazz along with their signature energy, all under the visionary leadership of Artistic Director, Drew Zaremba and Founding Executive Director, Art Bouton.

With a thirteen-year history of delivering exceptional performances featuring Colorado's finest musicians and guest artists, the CJRO continues to redefine the jazz experience. The CJRO is more than a traditional jazz orchestra; it's an exploration of music, creativity, and artistry at the highest level.

Read more at ColoradoJazz.org

TICKETS