Released recently on Rubicon Records, Songs from Porgy and Bess is a narrated post-bop reimagining of Gershwin’s iconic opera, featuring Brighton-based trumpeter and arranger Chris Coull, vocalist Imogen Ryall and an outstanding London rhythm section comprising John Turville (piano), Simon Thorpe (bass) and Matt Fishwick (drums).
Drawing on the original 1935 score, the landmark Miles Davis and Gil Evans recording and the Blue Note tradition, the music combines hard-swinging grooves, lyrical ballads and Latin-inflected rhythms in a fresh and engaging treatment of this classic repertoire. Alongside familiar songs including Summertime and It Ain’t Necessarily So, the concert explores some of the opera’s lesser-known gems through a narrated format full of twists and turns in both plot and form.
You can hear the project here:
https://chriscoull.bandcamp.com/album/songs-from-porgy-and-bess
Selected press quotes:
“In a year of Miles tributes, Coull’s Porgy is among the best.” — Jazzwise
“Coull turns in a masterful performance.” — All About Jazz
“Ryall and Coull is a musical match made in heaven.” — Jazz Views
“Chris plays beautifully throughout.” — Ralph Moore
“Imogen has great intonation, crystal-clear diction and a real sense of the theatre of the pieces, while Chris contributes beautifully toned and inventive trumpet solos. Wonderful swinging trio as well.” — Alan Barnes
