"It's Too Hot for Words" - the music of Billie Holiday feat. Dee Alexander

The Metropolitan Jazz Octet is the reawakening of a jazz group originally started in 1950; their sound has is rooted in both traditional and modern jazz. Their unique arrangements are described as a 'big-small band' and a 'small-big band' creating a sound that offers something new for the modern jazz audience.

MJO is thrilled to collaborate with Chicago's treasured jazz vocalist Dee Alexander, together they perform music from their Delmark Records album “It’s Too Hot for Words” a reimagining of classic songs from the great Billie Holiday.

Downbeat: "The octet veers between intimate chamber group sounds and bold little-big-band statements. Throughout, Alexander exudes warmth, conviction, rhythmic certainty, precise diction and hard-earned effortlessness."

Chicago Tribune: “It’s Too Hot for Words” (Delmark Records). Pair Chicagoan Alexander’s stylistically versatile vocals with glistening arrangements for the Metropolitan Jazz Octet, and you have new ways of appreciating Alexander’s art.

This music is joyful and the message undeniably powerful!