Who We Are
The Limited Edition Big Band has been delighting audiences in the Chicago area for almost 20 years. With a stunning library of over 1100 charts, these musicians cover the full spectrum of big band swing, jazz, and dance music. The band was formed in March, 1988 by trombone player Dick Gulbrandsen.
These 18 musicians, many of whom are session players or members of other jazz, big band or pop bands in the Chicago Metropolitan area, are a "cream of the crop" ensemble. The Limited Edition Big Band, Inc. has performed at many venues in the Chicago area. Every year since 2001, the band has played on the main stage of the Naperville Rib Fest, following acts such as Randy Travis, Loretta Lynn and Charlie Daniels. The band has been invited back for July 4, 2008.
What We Do
Playing a variety of locations, including private parties, formal dinner dances, clubs, festivals, and parades, the band has built quite a following. It has performed at the openings of several Chicago area night clubs.
In keeping with the spirit of the classic big bands, we rented a bus and traveled to central Illinois to perform at the Peoria Riverfront Jazz Festival and even played a Caribbean cruise.
The ages of the musicians range from twenty-somethings to eighty-somethings, thereby mixing experience with youthful energy. Several of the players have toured internationally with big stars. Dick Daugherty (lead alto sax) toured with Henry Mancini. Scott Fisher (trombonist) toured with the Ray Charles ensemble in Italy . The band showcases many fine soloists from all sections. Who says Jazz isn't rocket science? Just in case, one of Limited Edition's featured trumpet players, Cary Davids, moonlights as a nuclear physicist.
What We Play
Limited Edition plays a wide range of music from the great touring bands such as Count Basie, Buddy Rich, Stan Kenton and Woody Herman. We also include classics by Glenn Miller, Tommy Dorsey, and Benny Goodman from Big Band's golden age. Many tunes from the "good old days" have been brought into the present with new modern arrangements.
Vocalist Julie Creighton brings sizzle to the great standards!