JBGB Events present

NYJO – Basie & Beyond

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Last Show: Saturday 2 nd April 2022

PizzaExpress Jazz Club (Soho)

Extending our growing reputation for presenting great Big bands at Dean Street at weekend lunch times, we welcome, after sold out shows across the country, a first London presentation by NYJO – the National Youth Jazz Orchestra, of their new programme The Music of Count Basie – and beyond. William James Basie is an icon. His impact on jazz cannot be overstated. He formed the Count Basie Orchestra in 1935 and led the ensemble for over 50 years. Against a backdrop of anti-Black violence & oppression, he brought joy & innovation to the art of Big Band. As jazz transitioned from the dance floor to the concert platform, Basie kept the spirit of swing alive, transforming the music for the Atomic era, but keeping true to the soul of its roots.

'warm hard-bop…rhythmically immaculate…softly weaving'

John Fordham Guardian

In this programme, Basie & Beyond, NYJO explores the impact on popular music made by Basie & twentieth-century Black American artists that followed: Frank Foster, Dizzy Gillespie, Tadd Dameron, Oliver Nelson, Quincy Jones, Thad Jones.

To their lives & struggle we owe an enormous debt. We invite you to join us in celebrating their monumental contribution to the music we love.

NYJO perform under the direction of the leading arranger, composer & trumpeter, Mark Armstrong , Jazz Professor at the Royal College of Music where he runs classes on jazz harmony, arranging, composition and improvisation and directs the RCM Jazz Orchestra. He has been Artistic Director at NYJO for over a decade.

NYJO exists to empower young jazz musicians and inspire music audiences across the UK, through engaging Learning & Participation projects and impactful live performances. Founded in 1965, NYJO has grown from a single jazz orchestra, to a multi-faceted music organisation that champions national music education for young musicians, as well as professional development experiences for those at the onset of their careers.