The Bighorn Jazz Orchestra is the flagship ensemble of the Bighorn Jazz Initiative, a Bighorn Jazz Initiative, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to advancing jazz performance and education across the Mountain West. The band comprised of the finest professional jazz musicians-educators in the region, many of whom serve on the faculties of the University of Wyoming, Colorado Christian University, Montana State University, Central Washington University, Northwest College, and Sheridan College. The Music Director of the Bighorn Jazz Orchestra is composer-arranger-trombonist Dr. Eric Richards, Director of Bands and Jazz Studies at Sheridan College. Eric’s music for jazz orchestra is published worldwide and has been performed on six continents by professional and educational ensembles.
John Roberts’ Soul Skillet is a vibrant, vocal-led soul and blues project that fuses the rich sounds of traditional Soul, NeoSoul, Blues and Jazz, creating a musical experience that resonates with all audiences. Led by Roberts (songwriter, lead vocalist and B3 organist) the band is known for its energetic performances, heartfelt lyrics, and original compositions that draw inspiration from legendary artists. Experienced with a professional music career that started in Los Angeles, Roberts was able to tour, perform and record with Soul and Gospel music icons like Bobby Womack, Chaka Khan, Beverly Crawford, Booker T, Norman Hutchins, Kirk Franklin, Al Green, The Temptations, The Ojays and more. Inspiration for Soul Skillet is pulled from these real-life experiences.
Formed in 2024, Soul Skillet consists of a talented rhythm section and dynamic horn players, each musician bringing their unique influences and styles to the table. The dynamic sound is characterized by soulful melodies, deep pocket, and powerful instrumental solos, creating a rich tapestry of sound that captivates listeners, both live and on the debut recording, “The Last Thing I Do”.
John Roberts fell in love with blues and soul music as a young teenager while growing up in North Central Montana. Garnering records of Ray Charles, Sam Cooke, Willie Dixon, Professor Longhair and more, Roberts spent many hours at the piano singing and learning this music by ear. This nostalgia was the impetus to begin the band Soul Skillet, which he leads from the B3 organ.
Roberts has performed in all 50 of the United States and internationally on 6 continents: Mexico, South America, Israel, Cuba, India, Asia, Europe, the Bahamas, Jamaica, Australia and Africa. Notable venues include the Lincoln Center in New York, Pantages Theatre, Kodak Theatre, Roskilde, House of Blues, Blue Note, Apollo and Apollo London. Tours include; John Roberts y Pan Blanco (Afro-Latin Soul), Ricardo Lemvo and Makina Loca (Congolese/Cuban), Bobby Womack (Soul), Los Pinguos (Argentina), The Temptations, Chaka Khan, The New Orleans Jazz Orchestra, and more. Other performances and recordings include multiple Grammy and Emmy Award Shows, Chris Botti, LA Philharmonic, Feist, Sting, Dr. Dre, Mariah Carey, Lady Gaga, Fallout Boy, Burt Bacharach, Bill Holman, The Ojays, Jill Scott, Christina Aguilera, The Today Show, NPR, PBS and Disney.
