The SJO Big Band

The SJO Big Band (Surrey Jazz Orchestra) is a 16 piece big band playing a varied and exciting selection of modern big band jazz. During many of their performances, the SJO Big Band are supported by some of the local leading vocalists, both male and female, singing a range of swing standards from the likes of Frank Sinatra, Bobby Darren and Ella Fitzgerald.

The band started as the Addlestone Dance Orchestra in 1969, formed by a group of musicians who wanted to play their favourite type of music: Big Band Jazz. The guys got together to rehearse and play for fun – playing monthly for audiences that were keen followers to hear their favourite tunes from such bands as Glenn  Miller, Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Buddy Rich and others of this ilk.

Now, more than forty years on, the SJO still play  tunes from some of these bands, but have also augmented their repertoire with modern arrangements from musicians such as Chick Corea ,Gordon Goodwin , Gerry Mulligan, Frank Mantooth, Herbie Hancock and Thad Jones

Having played all around the Surrey area during their 40 plus years existence, the SJO  now rehearse and perform on a monthly basis at Jacob's Well Village Hall in Guildford - but are also available to perform elsewhere.