Media

Ross Porter of Jazz FM has selected NOJO - Explores the Dark Side of the Moon as one of his picks for top album of 2010.

" A Canadian band that is one of the most imaginative large ensembles on the current jazz scene…the real fascination of the album is the work of the co-leaders, compelling in virtually every composition, and often free of the sectionalized approach to instrumentation typical of most big-band writing."

Don Heckman
Los Angeles Times

"They clearly have a lot of fun playing and their enthusiasm is contagious. In fact, the only other large ensemble I've heard recently that matches NOJO's high energy and musicianship is the acclaimed Mingus Big Band."

Joel Roberts
allaboutjazz.com

"Innovative and accessible, their writing makes NOJO an important band to be reckoned with."

Peter Hum
Ottawa Citizen

“I thought I’d stay for just a few tunes but this band drew me in with their imaginative compositions, arrangements, and solos, which combined 60’s go-go beats, rippling West African dance patterns, srrealist swinging carnival music, and hypnotic middle eastern trance songs. I picked up a couple of their CD’s on the way out so that I won’t forget Paul Neufeld’s rocking “The Human Blockhead” or Michael Occhipinti’s shimmering high-wire tribute to “The Great Farini.”

Larry Appelbaum
JazzTimes

“I really enjoy playing with bands that have their own thing together, and NOJO sounded really good to me.”

Joe Lovano

“The Neufeld-Occhipinti Jazz Orchestra is a Canadian treasure…there is a sense of joy in NOJO’s playing. You get the impression they are really having fun.”

Frank Rubalino
Cadence

“Freewheeling and yet remarkably controlled, with NOJO anything is possible”

Richard Moule
Exclaim