JOHN TESH’S BIG BAND CHRISTMAS HEADLINES THE WILBUR THEATRE ON DECEMBER 20TH
Boston, MA- John Tesh’s Big Band Christmas Show is coming to The Wilbur Theatre on Friday December 20th, 2013 at 7:30pm
Twenty five years and 50 plus recordings into his multi-faceted, ever-evolving musical career, John Tesh is finally ready to swing—not metaphorically as in the cliché “for the fences,” but literally. On his new Big Band collection and accompanying public television special distributed by APT titled “John Tesh Big Band Live!”, the keyboardist fronts a full blown ensemble and horn section playing Great American Songbook classics. The projects mark an all-time first for the lifelong musician—letting his lead vocals shine front and center. For the four-time Emmy Award winner and two-time Grammy nominee, these projects are unique creative departures from his rich history as a composer and performer of “sports music,” new age, contemporary jazz and inspirational works. More importantly, and in a deeper sense, they mark a return to his musical roots.
Tesh’s highly successful and varied career path includes a 10-year run as anchor on Entertainment Tonight, six hit public television specials, including his landmark Live At Red Rocks in 1994, a string of #1 radio hits, his popular nationally syndicated radio show “Intelligence For Your Life” in which he has 14.5 million listeners, and a high profile advertising and marketing company. His musical accolades since releasing his debut album Tour De France in 1988 include seven million units in total sales; a Keyboard Magazine Award; a 2003 Grammy nomination for “Best Pop Instrumental Album” for his double CD The Power of Love; and gold certification for his Live At Red Rocks album.
A self-proclaimed school “band geek” playing trumpet in marching and jazz bands in junior high and high school, Tesh was proficient on the horn and piano from the age of six. He studied with teachers from The Julliard School, and was named to the New York State Symphonic Orchestra in high school—while also playing organ in a rock band. Tesh got hooked on Hendrix and the Doors, but also has fond memories of his parents spinning Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett and Count Basie at parties in their Long Island home.
With his latest musical ventures, Tesh not only pays homage to his early days as a musician, but also fashions a journey inside the jazz, big band and swing music that shaped the world from the early to mid 20th Century. Recorded at Capitol Records Studios in Hollywood, where Sinatra recorded many of his most enduring sides, John Tesh Big Band features exciting new arrangements of nine standards and three familiar Tesh originals. Tim Landers, Tesh’s musical director for the past 25 years, chose Tony Guerrero and Willie Murillo, two veteran jazz trumpeters, to do the 25 piece horn arrangements and orchestrations, respectively. The classic selections include “The Summer Wind,” “I’ve Got The World On A String,” “The Way You Look Tonight,” “Blue Skies,” “In The Mood,” “Sway” and “Beyond The Sea.” The re-imagined Tesh originals are “Barcelona,” “Spanish Steps” and “Give Me Forever.” The APT (American Public Television) hour-long public television special “John Tesh Big Band Live!” features 11 of these songs, culled from two live performances for an invitation only audience of 400 enthusiastic fans.
John Tesh and his Big Band Orchestra are “swinging” into town so you can “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas”! On stage with 14 performers, John will play favorite holiday tunes in the big band style, will treat you to piano solos, and will charm you with his engaging rapport with the audience. Designed to delight all ages, this show is sure to entertain young and old alike. With three gold albums, two Grammy nominations, and the nationally-syndicated “John Tesh Radio Show”, John Tesh is known worldwide as a leading and respected figure in the entertainment industry.
Bill Blumenreich presents John Tesh’s Big Band Christmas Show
Friday December 20th, 2013 at 7:30pm
Tickets: $43-$65
The Wilbur is located at 246 Tremont St. in Boston’s Historic Theatre District
For more information on John Tesh visit https://www.tesh.com/
For more information about the Wilbur and other great events visit https://wilburboston.wpengine.com
