One of the long-standing incubators of Twin Cities jazz talents, Century College in White Bear Lake was the meeting point for the seven outstanding musicians who form the CC Septet. A year after releasing its acclaimed recording, She’s Big in Egypt, the brass ensemble will present this original music to open the Twin Cities “Jazz from J to Z” season on Sunday, Sept. 26, at 2 p.m. on the Bloomington Center for the Arts main stage.

  CC Septet evolved from the Century Jazz Ensemble (CJE), launching in 2006 as a compositional and creative outlet for an ensemble of composers and performers from the Twin Cities area. Members have performed with Dr. John, Bonnie Raitt, the Temptations, the Suburbs, Dave Samuels, and others. The Septet quickly built an audience, released its first CD at the Dakota Jazz Club and garnered airtime on KBEM radio. Playing for venues around the area, the CC Septet has grown in popularity, releasing two more recordings in 2009, She’s Big in Egypt and the holiday collection, We Three Kings and a Horn Section. Past TCJS President and long-time host of KBEM’s Big Band Scene Jerry Swanberg notes, “CC Septet swings like crazy and performs with enormous energy.”

The CC Septet

  Larry Neumann (alto and soprano saxophones, flute) is a band director in the Stillwater Area Schools, leads the CJE at Century College, the St. Croix Jazz Ensemble, and freelances throughout the area.

  Paul Peterson (tenor saxophone, clarinet) is a composer/arranger who performs regularly with the Nova Jazz Orchestra, CJE and sHorn hortZ Jazz Quartet.

  Scott Snyder (trumpet, flugelhorn) teaches for the Parrish Schools Band Program of Hill-Murray High School and for the school’s Academy for the Performing Arts. He’s played locally for 35 years, including appearances with Bonnie Raitt, Dr. John, Bettye LaVette, the Temptations, and the Four Tops, and currently with the CJE, the St. Croix Jazz Orchestra, and the Emperors of Jazz Dixieland Band.

  Ralph Brindle (trombone) is a software designer by day. He plays in the First John Philip Sousa Memorial Band, the Wild Prairie Brass, the Classic Big Band, and the CJE.

  Tim Lackas (piano) has 20 years experience as an educator and performer. As well as composing and arranging for various horn sections, jazz ensembles and his own groups, he has written for and recorded with the CJE, local vocalist Jennifer Grimm and others. His own CD is Leah. 

  Greg Stinson (bass) is an active composer/arranger who performs with the CJE, St. Croix Jazz Ensemble, sHorn hortZ jazz quartet, and freelances in the Twin Cities area. A former instrumental music teacher, his current day job is Senior Vice President of Product Development for Amcom Software in Minneapolis.

  Brett Smith (drums) teaches for the Mahtomedi Public Schools, and is a past recipient of the Minnesota Teacher of the Year award and a finalist for the National award. His performance career has included tours of England, Sweden, Germany and China with the CJE, the Minnesota Zephyr Cabaret, A Touch of Class, Cabin Fever, and Lone Star.

  The sounds of the CC Septet’s She’s Big in Egypt are globally inspired, from the exotic spices of a Middle Eastern Marketplace to a “bolero meets surf rock” vibe to boppish American swing. On Sept. 26, this group will take us on a journey through original compositions that unfold at varying tempos and moods, yet all hanging together like an elegant tapestry. She’s Big in Egypt—the CC Septet will be “big in Bloomington.”

  Tickets for the “J to Z” concert are $22; $19, seniors & students; and $18, TCJS members. FFI and tickets, call (952) 563-8567. The Bloomington Center for the Arts is located at 1800 W. Old Shakopee Road, Bloomington.