The Collection is on hold again. The hotel turned the stage into conference rooms. The search is on again for a new home.

"In completing this project, The Collection has achieved a new dimension for the band. You will note in listening that it was recorded before a live audience. It was done, as a matter of fact, in a single performance, with no retakes. In pointing this out, I guess what I'm really saying is that I'm proud to be working with a group that can walk in and cut this quality of recording in one take, and still swing so hard!" (Pete Petersen)

Formed in 1979 by American Airlines pilot Pete Petersen, The Collection Jazz Orchestra has established itself as one of the most exciting big band ensembles around. Consistently setting new standards of excellence, The Collection continues to grow in stature as new devotees are added to its ever expanding audience with each new recording or performance.

The Collection has merited headliner status at a variety of functions around the country including conventions, stage shows, dances and variety entertainment. Cities in which they have appeared include New York City, Cleveland, San Francisco, Washington D.C., Charlotte NC, Miami, San Diego, Los Angeles, and their home base of Dallas, Texas. In addition, The Collection appeared at the French Quarter of the Four Queens Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas where they were featured on "Monday Night Jazz at the Four Queens," a nationally syndicated radio show produced by Alan Grant.

In addition to headlining, The Collection has either backed, or shared billing with, a host of luminaries including Pepper Adams, Ashley Alexander, Shorty Rogers, Bob Hope, Frank Sinatra, Jr., Shelly Berman, Fred Travelena, Kenny Rogers, Ray Charles, Rich Matteson, Richard Stoltzman, The Four Freshman, Phil Wilson and Buddy Childers. The Collection Jazz Orchestra formed a major part of Frank Sinatra's musical entourage for his 1990 appearances at the Dallas Starplex and Houston's Woodlands Pavilion. The following year they again joined Mr. Sinatra, Steve Lawrence and Eydie Gorme as part of Sinatra's Diamond Jubilee World Tour to San Antonio and Mexico City where they performed to sell-out crowds.

The Collection's success is due, in good measure, to the seasoned professionals which make up the orchestra. Drawing from a wide range of individual playing experience including musical theatre, opera, symphony orchestras, etc. The Collection boasts a roster of musicians which is second to none. Many of the orchestra's member are alumni of the Stan Kenton, Woody Herman, Buddy Rich and Ray Charles bands. In addition, most are graduates of the famed University of North Texas music program and many have recorded or performed as featured artists in their own right. The liner notes on the group's Straight Ahead recording (CMG 8020) sum it up this way: