Temple University Jazz Band Releases First International Album After National Championship Win

The acclaimed ensemble recorded "Live from Japan: Volume One" during a tour of the country last spring.

Feb. 5, 2026 at 11:07pm

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The Temple University Jazz Band is releasing its first internationally-recorded album, "Live from Japan: Volume One," just days after winning the National Collegiate Jazz Championship in New York City. The album was recorded during the band's tour of Japan last spring, with the final performance taking place in a small jazz club in Tokyo. The release showcases the group's shared values and sound, which band director Terell Stafford says is defined by "honesty" and a lack of ego.

Why it matters

The Temple Jazz Band's international album release and national championship win bring well-deserved recognition to the acclaimed ensemble and its philosophy of playing "with honesty" under the direction of Terell Stafford, who has taught at the university for 30 years. The album and accolades highlight the band's commitment to musical excellence and camaraderie.

The details

The album was recorded during the band's tour of Japan last spring, with the final performance taking place in a small jazz club in Tokyo. Stafford said the recording captures the group's shared values as much as its sound, with a focus on "honesty" and a lack of ego. The release comes just days after the Temple Jazz Band was awarded first place at the National Collegiate Jazz Championship in New York City's Jazz at Lincoln Center in January.

  • The Temple University Jazz Band's album "Live from Japan: Volume One" will be released on Friday, February 6, 2026.
  • The band won the National Collegiate Jazz Championship in New York City in January 2026.

The players

Terell Stafford

The project band director, who has taught at Temple University for 30 years.

Anthony Aldissi

The band's pianist.

Jacquee Paul

The band's vocalist.

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What they’re saying

“They just put it all on the table. So it's our first international CD.”

— Terell Stafford, Band Director (CBS News)

“I always have such a great time playing. But the fact that we are friends ... just makes it more special.”

— Anthony Aldissi, Pianist (CBS News)

“Just playing with our heart. Doing the music justice by making it ours.”

— Jacquee Paul, Vocalist (CBS News)

What’s next

The Temple University Jazz Band's album "Live from Japan: Volume One" will be available for streaming on all platforms on Friday, February 6, 2026, and CDs can be purchased via Bandcamp.

The takeaway

The Temple University Jazz Band's international album release and national championship win showcase the ensemble's commitment to musical excellence and camaraderie under the direction of Terell Stafford. The band's philosophy of playing "with honesty" and without ego has earned them well-deserved recognition and a growing international following.