Guildhall Jazz Orchestra & Choir

Guildhall Jazz Orchestra, with special guest vocalist Tommy Blaize, is proud to present the UK premiere performance of George Russell's seminal New York, N.Y. suite.

New York, N.Y. celebrates the vibrations of an international city and the power of jazz to bring together disparate influences and experiences into one joyous sound. Russell was forward-thinking and this collection of work presents his innovative new material alongside his deep-running roots in the 'standard' jazz repertoire. This is music expressing excited anticipation for the future, true innovation in the present, and humble reverence for the past.

Guildhall Jazz Orchestra, under the direction of Scott Stroman, welcomes Tommy Blaize, lead singer of the BBC Strictly Come Dancing band, to perform the original words by Jon Hendricks.

The first half of the evening's performance will feature Guildhall Jazz Choir directed by Clare Wheeler and special guest vocalist, saxophonist and arranger, Darmon Meader. Recognised in both the jazz vocal and instrumental worlds, Darmon has achieved international recognition as the founder, musical director, chief arranger, composer, producer, saxophonist, and vocalist with New York Voices.