“Arrangements and orchestrations of quality that can remind us of the great ensembles (without the strings) of Oliver Nelson, Lalo Schifrin or Issac Eyes. ” - Thomas Houbron
The Jones Factor
The Jones Factor, 10 piece little big band, was formed in 1986 by trombonist and bandleader John Fumasoli. Looking for something smaller than a big band, and larger than his trombone septet, which featured Eddie Bert and a teenager named Joey Calderazzo, Fumasoli decided to embark on a project that can best be described as “front burner/back burner” with the instrumentation of a pared down big band, and the addition of French horn. Early on the group had a steady Wednesday night gig in Stamford Ct. for nearly two years at a place called Pauline’s, on Atlantic St. and the venue was a great room for musicians and writers including Lonnie Smith and Melvin Sparks. The Jones Factor (at the time called the Jazz Collective) welcomed numerous writers and musicians and was a collective for musicians in the area for performing, writing and networking. Towards the end of the stint at Paulines, trumpeter Tony Kadleck brought his original chart to the band “The Jones Factor” hence the name change. Over the years the book has grown to over a hundred charts covering many different styles including Bop, Hard Bop, Latin, Blues, Funk and Hip Hop. The unique instrumentation allows for a great variety of textures, colors and sounds and the diversity of its players makes for exciting performances. The Jones Factor has put out three CD’s “Collective Jazz” and “Blast From the Past” and the bands third recording “The Time is Now” was released 7/13/22. The band is currently working on its fourth recording to be released this spring, 2024.
The Jones Factor, dynamic performing ensemble that it is, draws it’s players from diverse musical backgrounds who are equally at home playing just about anything as their credits show. Those credits include; The Village Vanguard Orchestra, Woody Herman Orchestra, Gerry Mulligan, Roland Vasquez, Rufus Reid, Grady Tate, Cornell Dupree, Claudio Roditi, Will Lee, Randy Brecker, Kenwood Dennard, Donald Harrison, Nancy Wilson, B. B. King, Dianne Reeves, Tito Puente, Frank Sinatra, Bill Evans, Jean Luc-Ponty, Kenny Garrett, Tony Bennett, Bobby McFerrin, the Maria Schneider Orchestra, NYC Opera, NYC Ballet, N.J. Symphony, Steely Dan, Elton John, Bernie Willaims, Smokey Robinson, Dianna Ross and the Average White Band to name a few!
The Rye Arts Center
Press photos
Jason Police, Dave Anderson, Bill Harris
Kenny Harbus