Director Selects: The Music Behind Fly Me to the Moon

I was a teenager when I first became aware of Quincy Jones as the mastermind behind “We Are the World.” I didn’t necessarily understand the job of a producer but sensed that getting every pop music superstar into one room required a respected visionary at the helm. Recently, the documentary film about that accomplishment, “The Greatest Night in Pop,” (available for streaming on Netflix) captures the magnitude of Jones’ vision and influence.

When Jones died last year, I knew instantly that a concert honoring him as one of the most influential forces in American popular culture would be a priority at The Soraya. On Saturday, Oct. 18, we will celebrate the great Quincy Jones with a jazz big band led by arranger Chris Walden. In keeping with our leading role as a jazz venue (recognized by DownBeat magazine as “one of the world’s great jazz venues of 2025”), it made sense that we would focus on Jones’ early years, dating back to the 1950’s and 1960’s when he cut his teeth as a touring jazz musician and then as arranger for some of the greats like Frank Sinatra, Sarah Vaughan, and Ray Charles. This promises to be one of the most swinging nights in Soraya history.

Joining the Pacific Jazz Orchestra will be vocalists José James and Lisa Fischer. This is Fischer’s 3rd visit to The Soraya, but if you’re not yet acquainted, she is featured in the 2013 documentary film “20 Feet From Stardom” (available on several streaming services) that is a “must see” for all music lovers.

Instead of a video interview, this week I offer three Spotify playlists — a Quincy Jones playlist to prepare you for the concert, and two separate playlists for you to acquaint yourselves with the energy and style of José James and Lisa Fischer. All three are linked below. Whether washing dishes, working out at the gym, or spending time with friends and family, these playlists will elevate your heart rate and set the mood.