Reykjavik Big Band

The Reykjavik Big Band was formed in 1992 by the legendary trumpet player; Saebjorn Jonsson who was the Chief conductor till the year 2000.Among its players are many of the Icelandic leading musicians.In recent years the band has worked with many great artists both as guest conductors and soloists. Those include Frank Foster, Maria Schneider, Greg Hopkins, Bob Mintzer, Bill Holman, New York Voices, the Icelandic drummer Peter Ostlund, Daniel Nolgard, Fredrik Noren, Andrew D'Angelo, John Fetchock, Tim Hagans, Eero Koivistoinen, Jens Winter, Lars Jansson, Lasse Lindgren, Eivör Pálsdóttir, Maria Baptist and Dick Oatts.The band has premiered music specially composed and arranged for the band by the icelandic composers; Hilmar Jensson, Kjartan Valdemarsson, Samúel J. Samúelsson, Veigar Margeirsson and Stefán S. Stefánsson as well as the scandinavian composers; Daniel Nolgard and Eero Koivistoinen. The band has recently completed a recording of commissioned music arranged and composed by Bob Mintzer, due to be released soon.The Reykjavik Big Band has got great reviews for its performances. The band received the Icelandic Music Award in 2005 for best jazz performer.