“When a musical jeweller with an imagination of remarkable aural refinement meets a jazz orchestra which combines playing of super-fine precision and warmth with a total commitment to the music’s singular ebb and flow, remarkable things can happen.” – Peter Quinn, The Arts Desk
Award-winning pianist and composer, Nikki Iles – fresh from working with the Umo Jazz Orchestra in Helsinki, the hr-Bigband in Frankfurt and her year as composer in residence with the NDR Radio Bigband in Hamburg – brings her music to the Howard Assembly Room in Leeds, where it all began for her.
This music marks a new chapter in a long and distinguished career in British Jazz, gathering together commissions from over the years, new orchestrations and new compositions. She has brought together musicians with a special chemistry and feeling for the music, many of whom are bandleaders in their own right and youth is mixed with experience.
Once the band is on the stand, the performance becomes a collective affair, Iles takes the piano chair and the music comes to life. It brings together a rich and varied repertoire with a unique and dynamic combination of players.
In association with JazzLeeds.
Save on jazz at the Howard Assembly Room this April and May. Book 2 eligible events, save 10%. Book 3 events, save 25%. Booking fees apply.
Nikki Iles conductor
Mike Walker guitar, piano
Steve Watts bass
Ian Thomas drums
Saxophones
Andy Schofield alto, soprano
Paul Jones alto, flute
Julian Siegel tenor, bass clarinet
Tori Freestone tenor, flute
Karen Sharp baritone, bass clarinet, clarinet
Gareth Lockrane flute, alto flute, bass flute
Trumpets
Tom Walsh
Henry Lowther
James Copus
Nick Smart
Trombones
Mark Nightingale
Harry Maund
Richard Henry
Ollie Martin
Paul Sparrow sound
