John Daversa Progressive Big Band

the john daversa progressive big band was founded in 1996 and continues to perform regularly within the los angeles area. over the past two years, the band has developed a following at the world famous baked potato, performing the last sunday of every month. daversa’s compositions and improvisations mirror a musical philosophy that aims to stretch boundaries, while maintaining a reverence for the jazz tradition. composing and performing with the jd progressive big band is a central focus for daversa, however he is also an educator, director, and producer. he has served as musical director for holiday on ice (2000-2003) and renee olstead (2004-2009) and produced albums for james torme (2009), peter buck (2008), and phil crosby, jr. (2007). daversa holds a doctorate of musical arts degree in jazz studies and is a faculty member at the thornton school of music at university of southern california.