how do you like them apples?

I took this picture at the Brent Respect Festival, where I was playing with the Spanner Jazz Punks. I believe this piece was called 'Before Newton'. The festival also featured the world's largest finger painting, and a bunch of people dancing round a maypole.

Also been busy participating in no less than four events at the Leytonstone Festival: playing with the London Swingfonia, Aneesa Chaudhry, the John Ongom Big Band, and at the Loaded Dog jam, which featured the marvellous Dick Pearce on trumpet as special guest.

The gig with Aneesa was with her new group: a kind of mini-big band with rhythm section and four horns. As well as playing trumpet I did the arranging - mostly downsized versions of existing big band arrangements. We also recently played at Pizza on the Park (which was sold out!)

Also been busy writing and producing music for the trailer for Lady Godiva - Back in the Saddle, a forthcoming British comedy. Not sure where or when the trailer will be in the cinemas..

Riamba at the NPG

As it says: Riamba playing at the National Portrait Gallery from 6:30pm on Friday. Please come along!

forthcoming gigs and stuff

Oh dear haven't blogged for ages.. I've been busy playing quite a bit, doing gigs with two different big bands: the London Swingfonia and the Spanner Jazz Punks. Also been doing quite a bit of transcribing/arranging work for a couple of forthcoming projects.

OK, plug #1: Anjali Perin is playing at the 606 tomorrow night, with my wonderful girlfriend, Rachel Musson sitting in on tenor.

plug #2: This Sunday at 7:30pm, the John Ongom Big Band will be playing at the White Hart pub on Mile End Road (map), featuring Mark Jennett and the Toot Sweet trio on vocals (I'll be MDing).

plug #3: Hmmm.. it's a bit weird to plug two different simultaneous events, but also on Sunday evening, my chum Eileen Hunter will be playing at the 606. She'll be there again on 2nd August.

plug #4: 22nd June, I'll be playing with Riamba at the National Portrait Gallery. In the afternoon I think.

Oh blimey that'll do for now.

The Fox Hunt - Maynard Ferguson

Wow what a clip! Seems like these guys have drunk way too much coffee.

edit: oh wait a minute - they're all Maynard aren't they? In that case it's just him who's had way way way way too much coffee.

Maynard Ferguson
Uploaded by Itsme

More arm-waving

Been pretty busy with the John Ongom Big Band recently. Last Sunday we played a charity gig for Breast Cancer at Jongleurs in Bow Wharf, and I'll be waving my arms around in front of them once again this coming Sunday at the White Hart Pub (map), starting from 7:30. This time our singers will be Gabrielle Ghray and Barry Vegas. Entrance is free so please come along!

Life Line - this Tuesday BBC1

Look out for Life Line, on BBC1 this Tuesday 24th and Thursday 26th evenings. It's a two-part (well, obviously) supernatural love story starring Joanne Whalley and Ray Stevenson. I assisted Dominik Scherrer with the score, doing the notation, plus editing and a spot of orchestration.

Big band gig this Sunday!

I'll be conducting the John Ongom Big Band this Sunday evening at the White Hart Pub (map). Entry is free, so please come along!