From starting Summer term for Under 18s at Woolwich Works, to kicking off rehearsals with the brand new NYJO Blueprint Orchestra, the past month at NYJO has been as sociable and musical as ever. We’ve been gearing up for festival season too. Last week we took an 18-piece NYJO Big Band onstage with Steam Down at Brick Lane Jazz Festival and now our EPs are preparing to hit up Norwich Jazz Festival, Cross the Tracks, and Love Supreme. Check out more of our recent highlights and upcoming events in detail below.
Brick Lane Jazz Festival
Performing to an adoring audience at Village Underground, our young musicians joined giants of the London jazz scene and long-time NYJO collaborators Steam Down Collective this April 25th. This was an emotionally charged set that energetically fused together the afro-punk anthems from of SD’s latest album ‘I Realised It Was Me’ with tight big-band breaks from our young players. The show featured stand out solos from Isabella on alto sax, Olly on bari sax, John on clarinet, Fee on trumpet and of course Steam Down founder and Resident Musical Director of NYJO, Ahnansé on alto sax.
Manchester Collective Showcase
Our brilliant NYJO Under 18s Manchester Collective had their debut performance at the beginning of April, playing a mix of Mingus and their brand-new composition ‘Monolith Valley’. We want to say a huge thank you to our partners Band on the Wall and Jazz North for their support with this project, as well as to our incredible NYJO Emerging Professional musicians Ben Moss and Benji Arnold who have led the group since the start of the year.
Interviews with NYJO Emerging Professional musicians
As well as chatting to our prestigious alumni about their stellar careers in Jazz, our Comms Coordinator Sofi dedicated time to speaking to current NYJO Emerging Professional Olivia Cuttill and Miles Pillinger. Both trumpeter Olivia and drummer Miles and are considered key figures in UK Jazz today.
Read our chat with Olivia Cuttill here and find out about her time leading a big band project as part of NYJO’s 60th anniversary last year as well as tells about some exciting upcoming gigs she has in store with her quintet.
Read our chat with Miles Pillinger here. Ahead of the release of his album ‘Belonging’ which will come out later this year, the talented drummer tells us the stories of some of the initial inspiration behind its songs.
Upcoming Events:
NYJO presents: Jazz in the Crypt with Ecliptica
Thursday 14 May, 9pm
The Crypt, Sinfonia Smith Square, London
Isabella Zufolo, our talented Emerging Professional alto-sax player performs with her quartet Ecliptica. Having formed at Leeds but with roots in London, this will be a homecoming gig filled with original compositions blending Afro-Cuban rhythms, jazz standards, and inventive covers. If you haven’t been to Jazz in the Crypt before, this is your chance to check out this stunning and secret venue hidden in the heart of Westminster.
NYJO presents: A Tribute to Abdullah Ibrahim at The Norwich Jazz Festival
Tuesday 19 May, 8pm
EPIC Studios, Norwich
This May, a large ensemble of our NYJO Emerging Professionals will play a tribute to the great Abdullah Ibrahim. Amongst a stellar line-up of contemporary movers and shakers, get your tickets to the esteemed Norwich Jazz Festival whilst they last!
Saturday 30 May, 7pm
Arts Club Cambridge
Sunshine is a Fine Artist, Performer, Singer-Songwriter and Educator. She has previously worked with NYJO as a lead artist at their Peckham Levels residency, vocalist on their Sun Ra Reimagined project and led research workshops ahead of their tribute to the great James Baldwin for their ‘The Fire Next Time’ performance at the Southbank.
More Announcements:
NYJO Alumni Conversations: Lisa Grahame
