Sam Every Present...

The Jonny Ford Jazz Orchestra

PizzaExpress Jazz Club (Soho)

Presenting the debut performance of his newly formed big band, Jonny Ford is one of the rising stars of the UK jazz and big band scene. Having worked with Heather Small, Cory Wong, The NDR Big Band, and Gareth Lockrane Big Band, he brings together some of the UK’s most exciting improvising musicians to premiere a thrilling set of brand-new original music. Throughout the evening you’ll be taken on a journey through intricate layers of orchestral jazz, infused with vibrant energy, exceptional skill, and unwavering passion. The Jonny Ford Jazz Orchestra is a collective of individual voices/soloists, and the music has been constructed to feature the extraordinary talents and artistic visions of each individual.

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£25.00
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Book tickets for The Jonny Ford Jazz Orchestra

Since graduating from the Royal Academy of Music, Jonny Ford’s distinctive artistic voice as both a saxophonist and composer has left its mark on many prestigious stages across the UK and Europe with collaborations including Heather Small, Cory Wong, The NDR Big Band, Gareth Lockrane Big Band, Matt Carter Octet, Sam Every Big Band, and Mick Foster Quintet.

Jonny leads the Jonny Ford Jazz Orchestra, who play his exciting new compositions and feature his individual saxophone style, recently described by London Jazz News as “Simply beautiful, mature playing with a commanding, ringing tone”.

His music draws influence from the eminent big band composers Bob Brookmeyer, Thad Jones, Jim McNeely, Vince Mendoza, Nikki Iles, and Maria Schneider, alongside broader influences encompassing elements from the music of Joe Henderson, Stan Getz, Olivier Messiaen, Stan Sulzmann and Shai Maestro.

Beyond live performances, Jonny's musical imprint can be found on albums such as Matt Carter's debut Read Between the Lines, Guilty Pleasures Vol.1 (LIVE) with the Sam Every Big Band, and Lydian Collective x Capital Orchestra (Live at Cadogan Hall).

As a testament to his artistry, Jonny's voice as a saxophonist and composer have garnered acclaim from luminaries in the jazz world. Stan Sulzmann recognises Jonny's "lyrical flowing saxophone lines and bright compositions," while Kit Downes applauds his “beautiful sound and sense of melody” and exploration of "new and interesting directions compositionally." The legendary Jerry Hey praised Jonny for his "Nice chart and great playing!!"

Band Line Up

Jonny Ford (tenor saxophone, leader)
Jim Davidson, James Copus, George Jefford, Tbc (trumpets)
Harry Maund, Rory Ingham, Robbie Harvey, Eddie Curtis (trombones)
George Millard, Tom Smith, Helena Kay, Alex Western-King, Mick Foster (saxes)
Tbc (Guitar) Matt Carter (piano) Tbc (bass) Luke Tomlinson (drums)