Musical Heritage

Big bands (aka jazz ensembles or jazz orchestras) have been part of the American music scene since the 1930s. They didn’t disappear at the end of the Swing Era; they retrenched and evolved. Today, they maximize their versatility by playing classic and contemporary jazz, pop/rock, and original material. Typically consisting of 16 musicians (five saxes, four trumpets, four trombones, piano, bass, and drums), such groups can offer a broad musical palette featuring dynamic ensemble sounds and a variety of talented soloists.

This is what pianist, composer, and arranger Bobby Jasinski had in mind when he envisioned The Hot Lanes in 2014. Inspiration came from legendary bands such as those led by Count Basie, Stan Kenton, and Maynard Ferguson, but also from contemporary organizations such as the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, Gordon Goodwin’s Big Phat Band, the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra, the WDR Big Band, and the Christian McBride Big Band.

About The Hot Lanes

The Hot Lanes jazz ensemble promotes jazz in the D.C. metropolitan area and beyond through festivals, concerts, educational masterclasses in the public school system, and other appearances. The musicians have many years (in some cases, decades) of experience in large ensembles and as soloists. Several are teachers as well as performers. Many have been with the band for most of its existence, sharing a passion for presenting generations of jazz repertoire in a modern concert setting.