Gigs

Friday nights at The Brighton Fringe; The greatest recordings in history played live, by the cream of British jazz.

One of the most influential composers of the 20th century, Ellington had written over a thousand tunes by the time of his death in 1973. Trumpeter and arranger, Chris Coull, has taken a selection of his most famous pieces for this octet, featuring the high octane trumpeting of Bruce Adams, UK jazz legend Alan Barnes (sax & clarinet), Geoff Mason (trombone), plus renowned big band drummer Pete Cater with pianist Terry Seabrook & top UK bassist Dan Sheppard. Also special guest appearance from vocalist Lucy Pickering

Friday nights at The Brighton Fringe; The greatest recordings in history played live, by the cream of British jazz.

The most widely sold jazz album ever, A Kind Of Blue has influenced jazz history since its release 65 years ago. Pianist Terry Seabrook leads this ‘all-star’ six piece group in a blend of tunes from the original album plus other recordings from Miles’ famous sextet. Tenor saxophonist, Josephine Davies plays John Coltrane to the alto sax of Andy Panayi’s Cannonball Adderley. The rhythm section is complete with Paul Whitten (bass) and Alex Pitt (drums). Trumpeter Chris Coull plays the part of Miles himself!

“I’m always very excited when Imogen Ryall releases a new album and I’ve been eagerly awaiting this new collaboration with Brighton-based trumpeter Chris Coull. ‘On the Roof’ is a breathtaking musical journey paying tribute to the music of the legendary US trumpeter Tom Harrell. This project seamlessly blends Imogen’s soulful, emotive vocals with Coull’s masterful trumpet playing, creating a unique and rich soundscape which is both exciting and sensual. The album features 8 of Harrell’s intricate and varied compositions, enhanced by Imogen’s intelligent and evocative lyrics that breathe new life into each piece and turn them effortlessly into songs. Her lyrics elegantly capture the essence of Harrell’s original works, adding a personal and deeply introspective layer to already catchy melodies. One standout track, “On the Roof,” which serves as the album’s title, embodies the creative synergy between Ryall and Coull, and offers listeners a stunning fusion of jazz innovation and fun and heartfelt storytelling. For me, the track Montego Bay is my highlight of the album— and stands out for me as I love Imogen’s use of her lower vocal range and her brilliant ability to scat sing which has always been a skill of hers that I have admired! The track Dream in June, showcases her impressive vocal dexterity and deep understanding of jazz improvisation and the combination of the voice and trumpet lines work so well together. Additionally, Imogen’s lyric writing shines particularly brilliantly on the track Seventy, where her poignant and reflective words add emotional depth to the music, demonstrating her remarkable ability to merge storytelling with jazz. In Imogen’s words, this lyric was an ode “to growing old spectacularly”. Pianist Si Robinson, bassist Simon Woolf and drummer Joe Edwards complete the line up and play with flair and sensitivity throughout. ‘On the Roof’ is a tribute not only to Harrell’s genius but also to the intimate artistry that Ryall and Coull bring to the project. An absolute triumph all round”.
Claire Martin OBE