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Kendrick Oliver and The New Life Jazz Orchestra

An undeniable connection between all colors of music is waiting to reveal itself -- a connection to bridge the gap between young and old, mind and spirit, class and culture -- a connection to inspire and promote unification -- connections that Kendrick Oliver and The New Life Jazz Orchestra irresistibly accentuate.

The New Life Jazz Orchestra was born in 1995 through the vision of band leader, Kendrick Oliver. Oliver, a student at the time, initially formed the orchestra for a Black History Celebration at Berklee College of Music, with a mission to provide music lovers with a glimpse of jazz culture. Under Oliver's direction, the band performed before a packed house featuring special guest artists trumpeter Roy Hargrove and saxophonists Billy Pierce and Teodross Avery. "This is a young band full of spirit with the ability to swing like veterans," adds renowned saxophonist, Billy Pierce, as he reflects on the magical performance that brought over 1,200 people to their feet.

Their signature "Alpha & Omega Sound," which combines straight-ahead swing with selections of contemporary music, surpasses everyone's expectations. During a high-spirited performance at the 1997 IAJE (International Association of Jazz Educators) Conference in Chicago, featuring Verve recording artist, Nicholas Payton, the orchestra provided "a rompin', stompin' good time," says Dr. Warrick Carter, Director of Entertainment Arts of Walt Disney Attractions, and the year's recipient of the Jazz Education Hall of Fame Award. "The band really swings!"