The first event in the magnificent setting of Coventry Cathedral Ruins is suitably spectacular. As well as one of the finest big bands in the world, we will also be showing an acclaimed film about the band’s inspiration Charles Mingus.
The music of Charles Mingus goes beyond simple categorisation. Schooled in classical music, with his early professional exposure in the Los Angeles swing scene, Mingus moved through numerous styles, working with many of the major innovators in jazz. Profiling his creative genius, this fascinating documentary includes performances by Charlie Parker, Bud Powell and Duke Ellington and interviews with close friends and associates. A volatile personality, Charles’ gentle and extreme sides are both in view.
“Absolutely do not miss.
” Blues and Soul
Formed to celebrate the music of the great jazz composer and bassist, Charles Mingus, this 14-piece band has been performing in New York since 1991 as well as touring extensively in the US and abroad. Under the artistic direction of Charles’ widow Sue Mingus, the band has been nominated for Grammys on four occasions, whilst drawing ecstatic reviews for their exuberant live shows. A great opportunity to catch a great band for its only performance in the Midlands.
“the best jazz orchestra in the world bears the name of the Mingus Big Band... a remarkably high standard of musicianship, energy and consistency.
” The Washington Post
“brawling, muscular, hard-swinging, bluesy... the way he wanted it played.
” New York Times
- Ryan Kisor
- trumpet
- Kenny Rampto
- trumpet
- Alex Sipiagin
- trumpet
- Wayne Escoffery
- saxophone
- Craig Handy
- saxophone
- Vincent Herring
- saxophone
- Abraham Burton
- saxophone
- Lauren Sevian
- saxophone
- Ronnie Cuber
- saxophone
- Ku-umba Frank Lacy
- trombone
- Conrad Herwig
- trombone
- Earl McIntyre
- trombone
- Johnathan Blake
- drums
- Boris Kozlov
- bass
- Kenny Drew Jr.
- piano
A regular at major festivals at home and abroad, Bryan has also toured and recorded with artists as diverse as Courtney Pine, Roy Ayres, Jim Mullen and US3. He is joined by his regular quartet, a formidable unit that has grown in strength and confidence in the last few years.
“It’s refreshing to encounter a band such as the Bryan Corbett quartet, an outfit which combines genuine intricacy with danceable rhythms’s and a sassy, streetwise swagger.
” The Guardian
- Bryan Corbett
- trumpet
- Levi French
- piano
- Ben Markland
- bass
- Neil Bullock
- drums
Named after nothing at all (apparently googling Bulap produced zero search returns) Bulap are purveyors of contemporary jazz fusion with an emphasis on funk and are not be confused with burlap which is a dense woven fabric, usually made of jute and allied vegetable fibres.
- Helen Tovey
- vocals
- Natalie Smith-Phelps
- sax
- Andy Whitehead
- guitar
- Graham Vaughan
- drums
- Suni Koria
- bass
- Ben Foggerty
- keyboards
A typical Cameron Pierre gig, whether it be in a concert hall or on the street, encompasses a fiesta of world music and Jazz. Influences range from Jazz, to Calypso, through to stateside R‘n’B. Cameron Pierre, one of the nicest guys you could ever work with and one of the best guitarists playing today. This latest band fuses Cameron’s enthusiasm for guitarist George Benson and Wes Montgomery in a classic trio line up with Anders Olinder from Sweden on Hammond organ and American ex-pat Rod Youngs on drums.
- Cameron Pierre
- guitar
- Anders Olinder
- Hammond organ
- Rod Youngs
- drums