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The New Jazz Orchestra is a British jazz big band formed in 1963, initially conceived by Clive Burrows and Les Carter during a late-night discussion about big bands. They made their debut at The Green Man pub in southeast London in December 1963, originally billed as The Bird/Burrows Big Band. After Ian Bird left the band in 1964, they briefly called themselves The Neoteric Jazz Orchestra before adopting the name New Jazz Orchestra. Following Burrows' departure to join Zoot Money’s Big Roll Band, Neil Ardley took over as director. Ardley's leadership transformed the NJO into a distinctively voiced ensemble, characterized by a sound that, while acknowledging influences from Duke Ellington and Gil Evans, expressed an English sensibility described as 'pastoral.' This unique blend of classical orchestration and jazz allowed the NJO to swing effectively, showcasing the successful leadership of Neil Ardley.

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