The Birdland Big Band is led by saxophonist David DeJesus DeJesus joined as saxophonist and leader in October 2017 and brought with him an emphasis on traditional swing and the blues.
He hired drummer Chris Smith, bassist Doug Weiss, trumpeter Brandon Lee, and added a fourth trombonist in Ron Wilkins.
These musicians joined Glenn Drewes, Tony Lustig, John Walsh, Mark Miller, Kenny Ascher, and Nathan Childers.
After Igoe took over, he changed the name to Birdland Big Band and built a repertoire of contemporary compositions, original arrangements, and select historical works, some forgotten or rare.
After Igoe left the band, it was directed for several years by Rob Middleton and Glenn Drewes.