NYJO: Basie & Beyond | Lichfield Festival

July 12, 2022
7:30 pm

William James Basie is an icon. His impact on the jazz canon 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.

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 unpayable debt.

We invite you to join us in celebrating their monumental contribution to the music we love, led by NYJO Artistic Director Mark Armstrong, at the Lichfield Festival.

Event details

Event date:
July 12, 2022

Event time:
7:30 pm

VENUE

Lichfield Cathedral
19A The Close
Lichfield, Staffordshire WS13 7LD

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Lucy-Anne, NYJO Emerging Professional (Vocals)

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Georgia Ayew, NYJO Emerging Professional (Drums)

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Sam Eastmond, NYJO Educator

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Jazzwise Magazine

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"The past year has been an absolutely incredible experience, pushing me way out of my comfort zone into playing with some of the greatest young jazz players of my generation and getting to call them my colleagues and friends has been beyond inspiring, and also an obscene amount of fun!"

Lydia Cochrane, NYJO Emerging Professional (Saxophone)

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Anna, NYJO Learning Widening Access participant

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Oscar, NYJO Under 18s

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Jennie, NYJO Under 18s

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Leah-Anais, NYJO Under 18s

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