Hard-charging. Powerful. They are engrossed in the history and mastery of their instruments. This is The DIVA Jazz Orchestra, a group of 15 highly talented and versatile musicians who happen to be female. It’s their nature. Sherrie Maricle is the DIVA’s swinging drummer. She exudes the energy and force of historic big bands, but with an eye toward today’s progressive sound and originality. DIVA is based in New York and performs around the globe playing modern, mainstream jazz that has been arranged and tailored to the personalities and musical styles of its members. High-energy performances are guaranteed to entertain with improvisation, spontaneity, and lots of fun. Stanley Kay, Buddy Rich’s former manager and relief drummer, was the inspiration for DIVA. Kay was a drummer in a group that included Sherrie Maricle in 1990. Stanley noticed her incredible talent immediately and started to wonder if other female musicians could play at the same level. Through nationwide auditions, The DIVA Jazz Orchestra was founded in 1992. It is a dynamic musical force that continues to thrive today. DIVA was named one of the top big bands worldwide in DownBeat magazine’s 2006 Critic’s as well as Reader’s Polls. You only need to look at the list of venues where this talented ensemble has performed worldwide to fully understand the band’s appeal. It’s actually much easier to ask the question, “Where have they not played?” This is just a partial list of venues: Carnegie Hall, New York Pops Orchestra, John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Washington, DC, Verizon Jazz Festival at Lincoln Center, Blue Note, Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola at Jazz at Lincoln Center, Birdland, and the Apollo Theater. The Jazz Showcase in Chicago, Manchester Craftsmen”s Guild, Philadelphia, and Cleveland’s Symphony Halls are just a few of the many events that take place at the Apollo Theater in New York. International appearances include Le Meridien Hotel, Paris, France, Teatro de Sistina, Rome, Italy, Berlin Jazz Festival, Salzburg Music Festival, Bern Jazz Festival, Montreal and Ottawa International Jazz Festivals, Canada; Bogota International Jazz Festival, Colombia; Jamaica Jazz Festival, Zagreb Jazz Festival, Croatia; and Pori Jazz Festival, Finland. They have performed in a variety of venues including the Le Meridien Hotel in Paris, France, Marlena Shaw and DeeDee Bridgewater festivals in Austria, Germany, Switzerland, Canada, Montreal and Ottawa International Jazz Festivals in Canada, Bogota International Jazz Festival, Jamaica, Zagreb, Croatia, Tommy Newsom, Randy Brecker, Dave Brubeck, and others. The band has made many television appearances, including multiple slots on CNN’s Arts Break and a segment on CBS Sunday Morning. This segment was part of The Kennedy Center 25th Anniversary Special. It is also a critically-acclaimed segment on NHK’s Japanese television network. DIVA boasts a number of impressive recordings. The most recent is Johnny Mandel: the Man and his Music. It was recorded at Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola and directed by Mandel himself. DIVA also recorded Live from Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola (2008), with Carmen Bradford as the lead vocalist (2008), TNT – Tommy Newsom Tribute (2005), a collection of charts Mr. Newsom arranged for DIVA (2005), I Believe in you (1999), Leave It to DIVA (1997), and Something’s coming (1995). For track lists, audio samples and order information, visit the “Sounds” page. The DIVA Jazz Orchestra guarantees a lively and entertaining evening, whether live or recorded. It leaves audiences wanting more. from http://www.divajazz.com
