The Magic City Jazz Orchestra (MCJO) is an American jazz ensemble which was founded in 1999 as a spin-off of the SuperJazz Big Band by Birmingham, Alabama jazz pianist and vocalist Ray Reach. The mission of the group is to "...perform and record big band jazz music written by well known but under-recorded jazz artists."
Magic City Jazz Orchestra Founding Director Ray Reach (at the piano), performing at Samford University with the SuperJazz Big Band, 2007.
Pianist Johnny O'Neal performing in concert with SuperJazz. Photo by Ray Reach.
MCJO's founding director Ray Reach (left) with Lou Marini in New York, 2004.
Louis William Marini Jr., known as "Blue Lou" Marini, is an American saxophonist, arranger, and composer. He is best known for his work in jazz, rock, blues, and soul music, as well as his association with The Blues Brothers.
Left to right: Lou Marini, Ray Reach, and Ernie Stires at a reception following a Carnegie Hall concert, 2004