Vancouver Jazz Orchestra Meets Brian Charette
Release Date: December 5, 2025
Label: Cellar Music Group
Vancouver Jazz Orchestra Meets Brian Charette is the debut recording from the newly formed Vancouver Jazz Orchestra (VJO). Under the artistic direction of James Danderfer and executive direction of Cory Weeds, the 17-piece ensemble unites some of Vancouver’s most accomplished and emerging jazz voices alongside special guest, acclaimed organist Brian Charette.
At once a celebration of Vancouver’s rich jazz community and a showcase for its compositional depth, Vancouver Jazz Orchestra Meets Brian Charette features music written or arranged entirely by local artists. From veteran composers Fred Stride, Jill Townsend, Brad Turner, and Bill Coon to fresh perspectives from Sharon Minemoto, Daniel Hersog, Steve Kaldestad, Chris Berner, and Danderfer himself, the recording paints a full picture of Vancouver’s creative range.
“Recording an album was the easy part,” says Cory Weeds. “Organizing the music, coordinating the musicians, composers, and arrangers for a 17-piece jazz orchestra is no small feat, but that’s what James does. His faith never wavered and this recording is an example of what can happen when you have a dream, you remain patient, and you surround yourself with people that can assist you in accomplishing your dream.”
For James Danderfer, the project represents both a musical statement and a civic one. “Vancouver is my hometown. I’ve had the good fortune to live and work in different parts of the world, but Vancouver - and its community of musicians - has always been a source of inspiration for me,” he shares. “When I first imagined forming the Vancouver Jazz Orchestra, it was with the hope of celebrating this community and contributing to it in a meaningful way. I wanted to create an ensemble that would help shine a light on the musicians of this city, provide performance and composition opportunities, and invest in the future generations through mentorship programs. And on this project, Brian Charette brings energy, soul, and a remarkable ability to both drive and support the band.”
The set opens with “Equestrian Interlude,” a spirited Kaldestad composition arranged by Chris Berner that pairs Charette’s soulful Hammond grooves with Kaldestad’s lyrical tenor. Jill Townsend’s vibrant arrangement of Ross Taggart’s “Don’t Call Before 10” stands as a heartfelt tribute to one of Vancouver’s most beloved and swinging musicians, with Andy Hunter and Charette delivering inspired solos. Fred Stride’s “Lado a Lado” dances with bold brass and Brazilian-inflected rhythms, spotlighting trumpeter Julian Borkowski. Sharon Minemoto’s “As Luck Would Have It,” arranged by Bill Coon, captures harmonic elegance and warmth, while Brad Turner’s take on Herbie Hancock’s “The Sorcerer” brims with urgency.
The second half of the album continues with Kaldestad’s “Shimmy!” (arranged by Coon) and swings with swagger, while Danderfer’s “Oh Brother” delivers infectious interplay between organ, guitar, and trombone. Minemoto’s “Colour Contrast,” arranged by Daniel Hersog, features Danderfer’s expressive alto, and Charette contributes the soulful original “Honeymoon Phase,” underscoring his deep connection to the ensemble. The album closes with Danderfer’s “The Same Old You with the Same Old Blues,” arranged with Bill Coon and featuring appearances by Cory Weeds, Nebyu Yohannes, and Derry Byrne.
Charette’s unmistakable Hammond organ artistry anchors the project, fusing traditional soul-jazz grit with modern harmonic sophistication. With powerful contributions from Andy Hunter, Brad Turner, and Cory Weeds, Vancouver Jazz Orchestra Meets Brian Charette affirms Vancouver’s place among the world’s great jazz cities.
This recording marks the beginning of a new chapter for large-ensemble jazz on Canada’s West Coast. The newly established VJO operates as a registered charity encompassing education, mentorship, and performance, ensuring that the spirit captured on this recording continues to thrive in generations to come.
CRAIG L. BYRD
CULTURAL ATTACHÉ
“Looks like Vancouver has a lot going on. In the absence of being able to get there quickly, this album serves as a fine introduction to the jazz music scene.” Check out the full review here.
STEPHEN GRAHAM
MARLBANK
“Mellow and swinging overall.” Check out the full review here.
ABE GOLDSTIEN
PAPATAMUS REDUX
“...checks all the boxes — swinging charts, inspired playing from all and the added presence of Charette’s soulful organ in the rhythm section and as a featured soloist.” Check out the full review here.
TIM LARSEN
JAZZ VIEWS
“If this is VJO’s first statement, they’ve already carved out a sound that’s going to be tough to ignore.” Check out the full review here.
MORGAN ENOS
UK JAZZ NEWS
“Mondays with Morgan: Cory Weeds” Read the full interview here.
JOE LANG
JERSEY JAZZ
“The ensemble playing is tight and the soloists outstanding.” Check out the full review here.
JEFF KROW
AUDIOPHILE AUDITION
“There is not a weak track here. No filler. It swings like mad…” Check out the full review here.
DEE DEE McNEIL
MAKING A SCENE
“...a package of exciting original jazz tunes and well-arranged music.” Check out the full review here.
GEORGE W. HARRIS
JAZZ WEEKLY
“Comfort food that is finger licking good.” Check out the full review here.
JACK BOWERS
ALL ABOUT JAZZ
“An hour's worth of stellar big-band jazz, impeccably recorded and marvelously performed…” Check out the full review here.
PIERRE GIROUX
ALL ABOUT JAZZ
“As debut recordings go, this release is remarkably assured as it honours craft, community, and continuity, values on which jazz has always depended.” Check out the full review here.
SCOTT YANOW
LA JAZZ SCENE
“...a joy for modern big band fans.” Check out the full review here.
ALLEN MICHIE
THE ARTS FUSE
“...hopefully more albums from this worthy and accomplished band will be crossing our border soon.” Check out the full review here.
MARK GRIFFITH
MODERN DRUMMER
“This is a very enjoyable and high-quality record, that jazz lovers will really appreciate.” Check out the full review here.
DELEIN
DISTRITO JAZZ
“In a landscape where big bands often look to the past, this album looks ahead.” Read the full review in Spanish here.
GEORGE KANZLER
THE NEW YORK CITY JAZZ RECORD
“...rare and a triumph of the genre.” Check out the full review here.
TOM HAUGEN
TAKE EFFECT REVIEWS
“Some of Vancouver’s best jazz players are present here, and along with Charette’s agile fingers they flesh out creative and traditional ideas that embrace all the hallmarks of jazz that we could never tire of.” Read the full review here.