BLACK MOUNTAIN — The Asheville Jazz Orchestra received a much-deserved standing ovation after performing, as an encore, the 1948 Christmas classic “Sleigh Ride” on Dec. 10 at White Horse nightclub.

The AJO, with 18 instrumentalists, along with its featured vocalist Wendy Jones (who sang five songs with the band), drew about 75 people to its concert titled “A Special Evening of Big Band Holiday Jazz.” The show featured two one-hour sets, split by a 20-minute intermission.

The regular show’s last song was “Deck the Halls — And All That Jazz,” which was such a hit with the crowd that those present arose en masse and pleaded for an encore.

It was a delight to hear and watch the talented AJO. Also exemplary was its emcee David Wilken (who plays trombone), who shared important information about the music and its composers, along with some fun trivia about it

Jones, who always is a highlight with her stellar vocals, choreography, stage presence and ability to connect with the crowd and the band, scored a hit with her renditions of “Christmas Time is Here,” “Man With The Bag,” “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” “White Christmas” and “Jingle Bells.”

The first set began with “Angels We Have Heard on High,” followed by “Deck the Halls” and “Silent Night.” Other memorable first set songs included “Felice Navidad,” “Let It Snow” and, with a more hip-hop style “Yo Hark! Those Angels Swing.”

The second set began with “We Three Kings.” Other highlights of the final half of the concert were “O Come, O Come, Emmanual”  and “Winter Wonderland.”

The band members performing in the concert included (by section):

• Saxes — David Wortman, Joel Helfand (altos), Sam Phillips, Bruce Austin (tenors) and Tom Wright (baritone).

• Trumpets — John Entzi, Woody Dotson, Andy Sorenson and Steve Martinez.

• Trombones — David Wilken, Walton Davis, Justice Mann and Jason Slaughter.

• Rhythm — Chris Morgan, guitar; Brian McConnell, bass; Richard Shulman, piano; and Rich Dilling, drums.

Those who perform with the AJO are touted as some of the finest jazz musicians in the area. Band members blend in their experiences performing with luminary groups, including the Glenn Miller Orchestra, Mel Tormé, When Swing Was King, the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra, the Nelson Riddle Orchestra, and Guy Lombardo’s Royal Canadians.