Guy Barker Big Band rolls up to the Royal Albert Hall with Kurt Elling, Soweto Kinch and Clare Teal for Christmas special
Thursday, November 24, 2016
Acclaimed trumpeter, arranger and bandleader Guy Barker will be presenting a stellar seasonal Big Band special and several surprise cameos at the Royal Albert Hall on 11 December.
Barker recently showed off his wide-ranging orchestral arrangements for the Jazz Voice opening gala of the EFG London Jazz Festival, and his RAH concert will explore favourite Christmas songs given a swinging jazzy twist. Chief among the guests will be Grammy Award-winning jazz singer Kurt Elling, a longtime friend and collaborator of Barker's, whose recent album The Beautiful Day, his debut for OKeh records, finds him interpreting the likes of 'We Three Kings and 'Same Old Lang Syne'.
MOBO-winning saxophonist Soweto Kinch will appear as a soloist, as well as actor/singer Clarke Peters, best known for his leading role in cult US cop drama The Wire and musical Five Guys Named Moe, while vocal group Accent will enhance the programme with their lush choral vocals. The evening will be co-presented by jazz singer and broadcaster Clare Teal, who will also perform several songs, while Incognito vocalist Vanessa Haynes is also set to appear.
– Mike Flynn
Guy Barker's Big Band Christmas takes place on Sunday 11 December at 6pm – more info at www.royalalberthall.com