Trinity Laban Jazz Orchestra and The W combine forces for 'Out of Doors and Into Space' concert

The Trinity Laban Jazz Orchestra and emerging jazz fourpiece The W will perform a new work entitled ‘Out of Doors and Into Space’ at Blackheath Halls, London on 23 January. Led by pianist Bruno Heinen, The W is a contemporary jazz quartet, featuring Heidi Vogel (Cinematic Orchestra) on vocals, Andrea Di Biase (Kenny Wheeler) on bass and Gene Calderazzo (Pharoah Sanders) on drums. The piece ‘Out of Doors and Into Space’ is Bruno Heinen’s daring new suite, bringing together The W with the Trinity Laban Orchestra who are comprised of classical and jazz students, led by two outstanding string players: Alice Zawadzki on violin and Sascha Bota on viola. Bruno has used musical ideas taken from twentieth century classical composers as a starting point for new original compositions that form this forward-looking improvisatory work. Sir Simon Rattle and Dr. Hans Koller have been advising on the project, which has been several years in the making.

After the break, Winston Rollins and the Trinity Laban Big Band take a journey through big band history. The programme explores the golden age of Count Basie, capturing the sound that dominated airwaves and even television. A highlight of the set is a classic Basie track, masterfully re-imagined by the renowned Bob Mintzer, giving this timeless piece a fresh, contemporary twist. Showcasing the immense solo talent within the band, the music evolves into a vibrant, modern big band sound, reflecting the genre’s transformation from its early dance hall roots to today’s innovative jazz stylings. The night concludes with a show-stopping arrangement of Stanley Turrentine’s ‘Sugar’ that promises to bring the house down. 

London-based contemporary jazz quartet The W create chamber jazz that is as exciting and inventive, as it is elegant and sophisticated. As vocalist for the Cinematic Orchestra for over 15 years and the go-to vocalist for acts such as Thundercat and Soweto Kinch, Heidi Vogel has long been a critics choice for her extraordinary voice and velvet tone. Her sublime vocals bring a savvy and stylish sound to The W. London-based New Yorker Gene Calderazzo, is a hugely respected name on the international scene with a vast portfolio includes performances with Pharoah Sanders, Radiohead and Freddie Hubbard to name a few. Double bass is Italian Andrea Di Biase who has performed with many leading figures in British jazz such as Stan Sulzmann, Norma Winstone and Kenny Wheeler. The group is led by composer and improvising pianist, Bruno Heinen, who has worked with the likes of Shabaka Hutchings, ESKA, and the London Symphony Orchestra. Like the four equal lines that make up the letter ‘W’, the four members of the group come together as one to create a perfectly balanced and compelling new sound.

For more info and tickets visit www.blackheathhalls.com/whats-on/out-of-doors-and-into-space/