New School Studio Orchestra gives a nod to Weather Report's place in the pantheon of 20th century composers, in this genre-breaking evening that breathes new life into this legendary album.

n 1977, the legendary band Weather Report released the landmark album Heavy Weather, featuring original members Joe Zawinul and Wayne Shorter, who had played together with Miles Davis, along with Jaco Pastorius, Alex Acuña, and Manolo Badrena. Fifty years later, this extraordinary group of international musicians continues to inspire and excite new generations of artists with their groundbreaking exploration of musical forms, fearless creativity and virtuosic playing. The evening includes a performance of the entire Heavy Weather album as well as a selection of other Weather Report compositions.

"The New School is steadily moving the center of gravity for collegiate jazz in New York further downtown." All About Jazz

ABOUT WEATHER REPORT

Formed in 1970 by keyboardist Joe Zawinul and saxophonist Wayne Shorter, Weather Report redefined the possibilities of jazz fusion by blending jazz improvisation with rock, funk, world music, and electronic textures. The band's ever-evolving lineup included legendary bassist Jaco Pastorius, whose groundbreaking approach to the electric bass helped shape the group's signature sound.

Over a 16-year career, Weather Report released 14 studio albums and became one of the most influential and commercially successful jazz fusion ensembles in history. Their 1977 album Heavy Weather remains a landmark recording, featuring the iconic composition "Birdland," one of the most celebrated jazz works of the 20th century. The band's innovative music continues to inspire musicians across genres, leaving an enduring legacy in jazz and contemporary music.

ABOUT THE NEW SCHOOL STUDIO ORCHESTRA (NSSO)

Conducted by Keller Coker, The New School Studio Orchestra (NSSO) is composed of students from the School of Jazz and Contemporary Music and Mannes School of Music, often with guest artists, performing music from a wide variety of genres, including jazz, soul, pop, and improvised music. 

The thrilling U.S. premiere of Carla Bley’s Escalator Over the Hill was the epic close to the 2024–2025 season. The New York Times described the musicians as playing with “rattling intensity," adding "The sound seemed to shudder like a pot about to blow its lid." All About Jazz stated, "Presenting a cherished '70s cult jazz-rock album in its U.S. performance debut was a high-wire act of artistic bravery, yet the New School ensemble triumphed over the odds. This was very much a student performance, even if its stellar standard forced you to frequently—and delightedly—remind yourself of that improbable fact." And in the words of UK Jazz News: “The student band impressively embodied Bley’s gonzo vision. This was a worthy and deeply enjoyable ride on Escalator Over the Hill, and a historic moment to boot.”

The 2025/2026 season offered a remarkable lineup, beginning with the inimitable 1930s Radio Night. The Grammy-winning Fandango at the Wall featured The New School’s Arturo O’Farrill, his Afro Latin Jazz Octet, and The Conga Patria Son Jarocho Collective. The second annual NSSO Holiday Swing ushered in the holiday season, featuring music from Ella Fitzgerald’s beloved Christmas albums and Jazz at Lincoln Center holiday arrangements, with special guest Brianna Thomas. March brought The Blue Note Records All Stars Evening, featuring James Francies, Joel Ross, and Immanuel Wilkins. All About Jazz praised the program, writing, "The New School is steadily moving the center of gravity for collegiate jazz in New York further downtown." The season culminated in May with a joyous, sold-out, dancing and singing audience at A Motown Spectacular, featuring music by The Temptations, The Four Tops, Martha and the Vandellas, Marvin Gaye, and more.  In addition, the NSSO performs annually at The Jazz Gallery.

The 2026/27 Season celebrates the 40th Anniversary of the School of Jazz & Contemporary Music and a stellar New School Studio Orchestra season with A Tribute to Weather Report: 50 Years of Heavy Weather, our annual holiday show, Holiday at the Sands '66, The School of Jazz and Contemporary Music's 40th Anniversary Celebration, and to close out the season, Music and the Metropolis: a special two-night event featuring music inspired by iconic NYC buildings, monuments, and neighborhoods over 125 years, celebrating the New York architecture, neighborhoods, and spaces that have inspired more music than any other city—from Tin Pan Alley to the Brill Building to Madison Square Garden.  A collaboration with Parsons School of Design.