Born out of the love of Ellington that pianist/arranger Alex Webb shares with the others in the band, The Pocket Ellington manages what ought to be impossible – creating a classic Ellingtonian sound with just four horns and a rhythm section. But with Alan Barnes, Robert Fowler, Simon Finch and David Lalljee on hand, anything is possible. Veteran bassist Dave Green and powerhouse drummer Alfonso Vitale provide the swing.
Great charts from the 1930s, 1940s and 1950s – Main Stem, Rain Check, Cotton Tail, Chelsea Bridge, Such Sweet Thunder and others - are presented in clever new arrangements which evoke the period but also offer solo space to these top-flight musicians.
The repertoire also includes pieces from artists and arrangers who were influenced by the Duke – Charles Mingus, Thelonious Monk and Gil Evans. It’s a big sound from a pocket band.
Miles Davis is supposed to have said, ‘at least one day out of the year all musicians should just put their instruments down, and give thanks to Duke Ellington.’ The Pocket Ellington does just that.
Line-up: Alan Barnes baritone & alto sax and clarinet, Robert Fowler tenor sax, Simon Finch trumpet, David Lalljjee trombone, Alex Webb piano/MD, Dave Green bass and Alfonso Vitale drums.
‘A terrific band with a rhythm section as good as any on the planet’ – Blue Light, magazine of the Duke Ellington Society UK
‘It's called 'The Pocket Ellington', but there is nothing about this band that is small. A big sound and some really high-quality arrangements wowed the audience’ – Hilary Seabrook
‘A wonderful night’s live music paying tribute to one of the greats’- ArcanaFM
Watch The Pocket Ellington on YouTube– NB: the video has Tony Kofi in the line-up. However, as Tony is regrettably unavailable owing to other commitments, his ‘dep’ is Robert Fowler.
Bookings opening soon.
Tickets £18 / £5 student / child with paying adult free
Jazz Steps brings high quality, entertaining contemporary jazz to audiences in Nottingham at the excellent Bonington Theatre venue in Arnold.
And, through our Jazz Steps Live at the Libraries monthly events - a collaboration with Inspire, we promote gigs at their library venues in Beeston, Worksop and West Bridgford.
As a not-for-profit volunteer-run promoter, we have been welcoming enthusiastic audiences to enjoy live music from top musicians and bands for over 25 years. Each and every gig is a unique experience - jazz being the quintessential 'music of surprise'! Let’s keep enjoying it – see you soon!
