Mode9

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Last Show: Saturday 22 nd September 2018

Mode9 is a Cambridge and London based band playing a fusion of neo-soul and jazz with a hint of funk. Playing almost exclusively original music and arrangements written by Ollie Lepage-Dean, Mode9 mixes smooth melodies with unique harmonies and a sleek horn section using arrangements by James Brady. For their debut the bands usual line up of 6 will be expanded to 9 performers as they welcome the addition of percussion and two other vocalists. This promises to be a very special performance for this new and exciting outfit. Influences on the band include Erykah Badu, Jamie Cullum and Steely Dan. As well as hearing some of the best original writing around, audiences will also be treated to some popular favourites with astonishingly fresh and exciting arrangements including 'I Get A Kick out Of You' and Stevie Wonder’s 'Superstition'.

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In 2017, Mode9 were invited back to Cheltenham Jazz Festival for the second year in a row, this time double-billing with Sara Munro. They also played at The Stables in Milton Keynes and at the Cambridge Jazz Festival for the third year running as part of the Next Gen Jazz series kicking the day off with 11 bands playing at the corn exchange. 

Mode9 started up primarily from Cambridge musicians. Ollie had been playing in different ensembles and bands for a couple of years, and found his musicians from there.  In December 2013, the band kicked there touring campaign off as the Ollie Lepage-Dean sextet to Brussels for the experience of going as a band abroad and to be able to bond as a team. In November 2014, Mode9’s EP ‘On Standby’ was recorded and later released in October 2016. 

Ollie was born in Brussels, Belgium, but grew up in Cambridge. He was a chorister for St Johns College Choir, Cambridge and recorded his own CD with Naxos in 2001. He studied at Haileybury College for five years with music tuition from Peter Davis and Quentin Thomas, and gained a place at Trinity College of Music, London, graduating in 2011. During his time at Trinity, Ollie mostly sang classical and choral music but his musical inspiration was diverse and he also sang a variety of musical theatre and jazz repertoire.

Ollie Lepage-Dean (vocals and keys)
James Brady (trumpet and synth)
Jim Gold (tenor sax)
Edwin Ireland (bass guitar)
David Burgoyne (drums)
Dave Niskin (electric guitar)
Hannah Wooley (backing vocals)
Katy Osborne (backing vocals)