Two of America’s jazz icons have shared their expertise composing the set musical pieces for the long awaited 2022 Generations in Jazz return event.

World recognised jazz musicians Bob Mintzer and John Clayton were commissioned by GIJ to compose the original charts for Division 1 and 2 of the City of Mount Gambier National Stage Band Awards which school big bands will perform for adjudication as part of the highly anticipated May 6-8 event.

For three decades Mr Mintzer has been a member of the Grammy award-winning Yellowjackets and leads his own Grammy award-winning Bob Mintzer Big Band. He has written more than 500 big band arrangements and played on over 1000 recordings which are played all over the world influencing countless composers.

“I am honoured to participate in the forthcoming Generations in Jazz project for the 2021-22 season,” Mr Mintzer said.

“While the current situation is prohibitive in terms of me being there in person, the idea was presented for me to write a big band piece for the participating big bands to play and hopefully learn from. Special thanks to GIJ for providing this amazing opportunity to students of jazz music. I hope to someday be able to partake in the event in person.

“Until then, please stay safe and keep swingin.”

Mr Clayton, a Grammy award winning classical double bassist, arranger and composer, is best recognised from the formidable Clayton Brothers which he formed with his brother, the late Jeff Clayton.

He also co-founded the Clayton Hamilton Jazz Orchestra with Jeff Hamilton.

His instrumental arrangement on Queen Latifah’s I’m Gonna Live Till I Die scored him a 2007 Grammy award followed with a nomination in 2009 for the Clayton Brothers Brother to Brother in the Best Jazz Instrumental Album, Individual or Group category.

Event chairman Peter Roberts said the committee were pleased to present works by the world-recognised performers, inspiring a new cohort of GIJ alumni.

“We are extremely proud to have two of the world’s best jazz composers and performers personally write original set-pieces for the long-awaited return of this event. These pieces will showcase the musical abilities and range of our participants as we bring the joy of jazz back to Mount Gambier in 2022,” Mr Roberts said.

“Whilst we have been disappointed and frustrated to have missed the last two events due to the restrictions of the pandemic, we are excited to be presenting the works of two Grammy award winning artists to challenge a new generation of GIJ participants.

“I trust classrooms will be eager to digest and perfect these pieces over the next nine months in a bid to claim a coveted GIJ award. We cannot wait to welcome these talented students back as we celebrate this unique school music showcase.”

Mr Roberts said registrations for the 2022 awards would open this school term via a new online portal with the set pieces available for purchase at this time.