The South Texas Jazz Orchestra
Formerly known as "Saint Vincent and the Grenadines," the STJO specializes in the timeless Big Band sounds of American Jazz, with an emphasis on the songs of Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, Harry Connick, Jr., Tony Bennett, and other timeless singers. A popular choice for Weddings, Galas, and other upscale events, the South Texas Jazz Orchestra is comprised of both male/female vocals, piano, upright bass, drums, and horn section.
"Versatile, Classy, and always a hit! I've been to several events played by South Texas Jazz bands and every single one has been a hit. We had their big band, St. Vincent and the Grenadines play our wedding, and people danced until long after we left. They couldn't get enough! The arranged two unusual songs for our spotlight dances (our requests), and made them sound classic and fresh. I cannot recommend them enough. Always a crowd-pleaser!"
- Bekah McNeil, bride
Doc Watkins and his Hat Creek Seven
Doc Watkins and his Hat Creek Seven is an 8-piece "little Big Band," and covers a wide variety of literature, from songs of the early Swing era to well-known Jazz standards to custom arrangements of songs by Johnny Cash, Bob Wills, and other Texas-influenced songwriters. Primarily geared for dance events, they are an excellent choice for weddings, galas, music halls, and other large-scale events.
"We were thrilled with Doc Watkins and his Hat Creek Seven. They played upbeat, classy music and the dance floor stayed active for the entire reception. They were so popular that even after we left, the remaining guests wanted them to keep playing so that the dancing could continue! We would recommend them to anyone who wants a high-quality band for their party."
- Marissa Bondurant, bride
Autumn Lowber
Autumn Lowber, an accomplished jazz vocalist, can be seen around South Texas performing nightly at a number of venues, such as Sullivan's Steakhouse, Bohanan's, The Elephant Room, and Eddie V's. Originally from Oklahoma, Autumn attended the University of Central Oklahoma where she studied vocal jazz with Lee Rucker and sang in the UCO jazz ensemble. In 2008, she was asked to sing in the Bartlesville Mozart Festival with the “Governor’s Own” 145th Army National Guard Jazz Trio, and then continued on to play regularly with the trio in festivals, lounges and nightclubs around the Oklahoma City Metro area. Since moving to Austin, TX in 2011, Autumn has continued to sing with her jazz trio all over town as well as singing background vocals for various bands, including the Mo-town Original Band, Ryan Hardrider and the Night Owls, and Timberos Del Norte under the direction of Paul Matthews. Autumn is currently recording her first solo album and plans to release it in the Fall of 2012.
The South Texas Jazz Quartet
- Brent Watkins, piano
- Jonathan Card, vocals
- Logan Keese, trumpet
- Tyler Jackson, upright bass
The South Texas Jazz Quartet lives at the intersection of Texas and American Jazz. It had been said that they play Jazz songs Country and Country songs Jazz. Influenced by great artists like Duke Ellington, Willie Nelson, George Gershwin and Bob Wills, they seek to reflect their time and place. Their time is today, and their place is Texas.
"The STJQ swings with verve and imagination, breathing new life, and updated lyrics here and there into the songs without doing a bit of damage to the classics. Its top-flight musicians prove there's room for fun in jazz and room for jazz in fun."
- Jim Beal Jr., San Antonio Express-News