Henry Mason is the founder of Atlanta's "Sentimental Journey Orchestra", a regional dance orchestra with a national reputation as one of the best of modern day "Territory Bands". SJO has been in continuous operation for 35 years (and counting!) and has played all over the mid south. Simply put, SJO plays the Great American Songbook about as well as
anyone. During Henry's time as bandleader of SJO, they played for some very interesting venues and people. Noteworthy among those were, Ted Turner's 50th birthday party, Pres. Jimmy Carter's Nobel Peace Prize celebration in Georgia and the 75th Anniversary party for Atlanta's Fabulous Fox Theater among many others.. SJO has had as regular members and substitutes alumni from a number of the great touring bands including those of Charlie Barnett, the Miller and Dorsey bands, Count Basie and Ray Charles. The band has left a trail of happy audiences wherever it played (including several 300 plus mile trips to Charleston SC as well as shorter forays into Alabama, Tennessee and the Carolinas). The focus has always been on music and professionalism worthy of the legacy of the great road bands of the forties and fifties that defined this music. After being a part of such an organization for such a long time, it wasn't an easy thing to move away from friends since college days and move to another town. Aside from the band, however there were few ties left in a town where explosive growth has outstripped all reason and traffic jams happen at 3 AM (one of those being the last straw!)
Two other major inspirations for our move to North Carolina are our grandchildren. One of whom moved to Raleigh a year ahead of us when her dad moved here for his profession. She was soon joined by brand new brother. The lure of kids and grandkids is strong and that coupled with the previously mentioned quality of life issues made the decision to move to Raleigh an easy one.
Musical involvement came quickly with opportunities to substitute on local dance bands and concert Jazz orchestras. There was certainly no dissatisfaction with any of these fine musical groups, but after booking and running the show for so many years....well the old story about fire horses must be true.... and just possibly, North Carolina audiences would enjoy a band with the same musical ideals and professionalism that made SJO such a long running hit in Atlanta. You may rest assured that the music will be authentic to the best of our ability and no corners will be cut. That means a full big band and the best music we can find.
As to how the name came about, Henry says "My late father-in-law who at 87 was still one of the youngest people I ever met, once belonged to a social club of equally young folks called "The Revelers". I promised him a full band for his party if he made it to 100. Since he didn't quite make it, the band name serves as my salute to his outlook on life."
A revel is a large and boisterous special event. The NC Revelers are a big and boisterous special band for special events. We will be happy to play for your revel and you are invited to call us about it.
CALL 919 847-2263
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