Nov. 6, 2015 Calgary, AB — Prime Time Big Band is excited to announce a fundraising concert to record a live CD at its home for the past 15 years, the historic Ironwood Stage and Grill.

Band leader Dave Jones says the time is right for a live recording. With its notable members, Prime Time is in its prime, thanks to solid performances and a remarkable roster of guest performers – tenor sax legend Pete Christlieb, trumpeter Guido Basso, bandleader Doc Severinsen, trumpeters Allen Vizzutti and Jens Lindemann, saxophonist PJ Perry, and trombonist Al Kay.

Legendary jazz musician Tommy Banks is also on that list, and is returning to join Prime Time on grand piano for its fundraising concert Saturday, Nov. 21 at the Ironwood Stage and Grill. Proceeds from the event go towards funding a live recording, slated for the new year. Included at the fundraiser is a silent auction for private home concerts with members of Prime Time Big Band, and more.

“We’ve raised our own personal bar. We’re backing some of the greats in the music world, our heroes. The time is right,” said Jones. “Bands need musical goals, and recording preserves their performance when they’re at the top of their game.”

Prime Time Big Band’s 2006 debut CD, For Our Friends, successfully sold more than 5,000 copies. Now nearly a decade later, the jazz band’s loyal followers are helping fund a new live recording, proving that fans are just as committed to preserving the big band genre as Prime Time is. Nearly 25 per cent of the project’s costs have been raised for the live recording session,

Since its last recording, the band’s personnel has seen some changes, including the addition of singing sensation Deanne Matley, Prime Time’s permanent vocalist.

“One-third of our band is new since our last recording, including Deanne who was not on our CD. We’re getting specific requests for Deanne from fans,” said Jones.

One repeated song request from generous fans who have added to the CD project pot is the band’s signature encore swing tune, Sing, Sing, Sing. Jones says he’s more than pleased to include the toe-tapper, only better: the song will be arranged by Tommy Banks himself.

“We are absolutely thrilled to be working on an updated version from Tommy. We’ve tried different versions and I even tried changing the encore to give the musicians a change, but people demanded it; they phoned me saying,‘it leaves us happy and bouncing out of the club.’ How can you argue with that?”

Having the support from Banks at the fundraising concert is a big boost, said Jones.

“He’s an exceptional musician. He’s a jazz master. All of his performances without exception are thrilling. He does the right thing at the right time always, it’s amazing and that’s just his piano playing. He’s a hero to a lot of people. He’s certainly highly respected and revered all over the world.”

For interviews, contact Dave Jones: 403-253-3042

• What: Prime Time Big Band with special guest Tommy Banks
• When: Saturday, Nov. 21 2-4 p.m.
• Where: Ironwood Stage and Grill (1229 9th Avenue S.E)
• Tickets: $30 available by calling (403) 269-5581