A Little Big Band

A Little Big Band makes the most out of a seven-person jazz ensemble format, seamlessly transitioning between vocal and instrumental tunes. The size of the group allows them to explore a wide range of textures--one minute sounding like a roaring big band, the next minute sounding like an acoustic duo or trio. The group won an Outstanding Performance Award in DownBeat Magazine's 2013-2014 Student Music Awards.

The ensemble builds on the work of other large jazz combos like Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers and the San Francisco Jazz Collective but contributes their own unique voice to the tradition through their original compositions and thoughtfully arranged jazz standards. The repertoire of A Little Big Band highlights the musicians’ skills as virtuosic improvisers as well as sensitive section players.

A Little Big Band formed in September 2013 at Oberlin Conservatory where they were coached by the head of Oberlin’s Jazz Studies department, Bobby Ferrazza, as well as renowned bass player Gerald Cannon. They received additional coaching from Gary Bartz, Billy Hart and Jay Ashby. The are in the midst of planning an August tour in the midwest and east coast.

A Little Big Band currently features Charles Dolph (vocals), Emily Kuhn (trumpet), Max Bessessen (alto), Matt Segall (tenor), Zach Warren (trombone), Ethan Philion (bass), and Chase Kuesel (drums).