Jazz breaking news: SNJO get in the spirit of Duke at BRASS Festival
Wednesday, June 26, 2013
The seventh annual BRASS Durham International Festival, which runs from 7 until 21 July, showcases the best brass bands and groups from around the world along with street theatre, sound installations, film screenings and interdisciplinary explorations between music, architecture and art.
It is also the second year of commissioning new music for brass ensembles through its BRASS:Pitch initiative, and there are five new works to be premièred at this year’s festival.
Among the many highlights of the busy 14-day event will be an appearance by the Scottish National Jazz Orchestra (SNJO, pictured above), led by saxophonist Tommy Smith, who are set to play Durham’s Gala Theatre on 8 July. Presenting music from their acclaimed new album, In The Spirit of Duke, the internationally renowned orchestra will feature special guest pianist Brian Kellock for this tribute to Ellington’s iconic songbook.
Other notable artists on the bill include the Northern Monkey Brass Band, Funky Style Brass, Ladies of Midnight Blue, Brass Fusion from New York, Tanfield from France, and the Hackney Colliery Band, whose 12 July gig will showcase emerging talent from the Durham County Youth Big Band and the Camden Brass Ensemble as part of a collaborative project with the Roundhouse in London.
– John Merritt
For more info go to www.brassfestival.co.uk