Gershwin’s masterpiece, reimagined for the 21st century – Tickets
Trumpeter Chris Coull and an all-star band bring George Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess to life in a thrilling new jazz suite. Featuring award-winning vocalist Imogen Ryall, this narrated concert blends unforgettable songs with fresh, inventive arrangements that honour the spirit of post-bop jazz while speaking directly to today’s audiences.
Expect timeless favourites like Summertime and I Love You, Porgy, alongside rarely heard gems such as Buzzard Song and Strawberry Woman — all delivered with swing, soul, and sophistication. The performance transports listeners to 1930s Charleston, tracing the love story of Porgy and Bess through hard bop grooves, lush ballads, Latin rhythms, and orchestral textures.
Coull, a leading figure on the Brighton jazz scene and founder of the acclaimed Speakeasy Jazz Club (Hove), is joined by three of London’s most in-demand jazz musicians — John Turville (piano), Simon Thorpe (bass), and Matt Fishwick (drums) — to create an evening of world-class jazz: dynamic, moving, and utterly engaging.
In a year of Miles tributes Coull’s Porgy is among the best – JAZZWISE MAGAZINE
Ryall and Coull is a musical match made in heaven – Jazz Views
“Great collection of tunes from Porgy and Bess by Chris Coull, love the arrangements and vocals by Imogen Ryall. Chris’s plays beautifully throughout.” – Ralph Moore
“A fresh take on an American classic, a fabulous re-working” – JAZZ FM