North Wales Jazz will be presenting some punchy brass arrangements and classic jazz numbers this Tuesday (April 1).
Clarinettist Bill Basey, best known throughout the area as leader of his 18 piece big band, brings his slightly smaller combo, the six-horn front line Gramophone Five Plus Four, to the the Royal British Legion, Llay, near Wrexham.
The group, which has a reputation for first-rate swing and mainstream jazz and is a favourite band at the annual Nantwich Jazz and Blues Festival, draws on the great music composed between the 20s and the 70s.
At past events for North Wales Jazz they have played popular standards like Stella By Starlight and Basie and Ellington classics including L'il Darlin', I'm Just A Lucky So and So and Concerto for Cootie, and lovers of big band music and classic jazz are sure to be impressed by this band.
Heading the line-up is Bill Basey himself on clarinet and saxes, with Ken Morris (alto sax), Don Owens and Tony Tucker (trumpets), Mervyn Hughes (trombone), and the youngest member of the band, Liam Byrne (tenor sax).
Since graduating from London's Guildhall School of Music, Liam has worked in many big band settings including the Glen Miller Tribute Orchestra, the New Squadronnaires and with Andy Prior's band.
Short-listed for Best Tenor Saxophone at the 2012 British Jazz Awards, Liam is currently receiving critical acclaim as co-leader of the brilliant young bands BBQ (Brownfield/Byrne Quintet)
and the Brownfield/Byrne Hot 6.
For their performance at the Royal British Legion, the six front liners will be joined by the rhythm section of Harry Proctor (keyboards),
Ian Kyffin (double bass) and Jim Noble (drums).
The performance starts at 8.30pm and admission is £6.50, concessions £5.50, school children £3. Further information is available from North Wales Jazz on 01745 812260 and at www.northwalesjazz.org.uk.
