The One O'Clock Lab Band is the premier ensemble of the University of North Texas's jazz studies program, housed under the College of Music. This grammy-nominated group is celebrated for its exceptional level of talent and professionalism, and it serves as a pivotal stepping stone for its members into the professional music industry. Named for its original rehearsal time, the One O'Clock has over seventy years of history, having been formed in 1947. Through the decades, it has established itself as a benchmark for university-based big bands worldwide, under the direction of a series of esteemed leaders, most notably Leon Breeden and Neil Slater.

The band's discography is vast and showcases an annual tradition of recording an album, each named with the "Lab" title followed by the year of release, a testament to the ensemble's commitment to continual musical growth and excellence. The latest of these is "Lab 2023", following a lineage of albums such as "Overdrive", "Lab 2022", and "Lab 2021". Notably, the One O'Clock pays homage to its past directors and the rich history they've imbued into the program with recordings like "Legacy: Neil Slater at North Texas" and "Perseverance: The Music of Rich DeRosa at North Texas". This band, while rooted in the educational environment, has garnered critical acclaim and serves as a prominent and innovative force in the jazz world, shaping the next generation of jazz musicians.

Genres

Jazz Orchestra

Modern Big Band

Related Artists

Gordon Goodwin's Big Phat Band

The Temptations

Metropole Orkest

Arturo Sandoval

The Manhattan Transfer

Buddy Rich Big Band

Brussels Jazz Orchestra

GRP All-Star Big Band

Count Basie Orchestra

Jazz At Lincoln Center Orchestra

Vanguard Jazz Orchestra

Bob Mintzer Big Band

Latest Release

Lab 2024

One O'Clock Lab Band

Album - 8 Tracks - Released November 15, 2024