There are still stereotypes in even the most dedicated jazz circles that, though long debunked, persist nonetheless. One of them suggests that women in jazz might have significance, but perhaps only as singers or pianists, certainly not on a wind instrument. Another perceives big bands as relics of the past and an antiquated format that could no longer interest younger musicians.

Sarah Chaksad, born in 1983, defies both notions. She is a saxophonist and has been leading her own orchestra for over three years, for which she also writes compositions, and with which she now presents a debut album: nine songs with a distinctive voice and thoroughly contemporary.

For those who associate orchestral jazz with old recordings or the sound of an American college big band, the Sarah Chaksad Orchestra is a departure. While rooted in tradition, the compositions are decidedly contemporary, and the band members are not just above-average orchestral musicians but also individually excellent soloists. Therefore, the music sounds much closer to European models than American. Swiss musicians like George Gruntz with his Concert Jazz Band and Mathias Rüegg with the Vienna Art Orchestra have shown as Swiss what is possible with a powerful, rich sound and individual expression in a large ensemble consisting of outstanding soloists.

For more information, visit www.sarahchaksad.com.