Big bands associations of Jim McNeely:
UMO Big Band, Helsinki, Finland
McNeely's
principal association with the UMO Big Band is as
a guest conductor. The band is largely self-supporting,
but receives partial funding from municipal funds
and from radio stations. The group presents
concerts and records for radio broadcasts.
The Village Vanguard legacy is strong here. In the 1970s, the group developed a close relationship with Thad Jones and Mel Lewis.