A chance to hear one of the new great musicians out of Birmingham. This band was originally formed in October 2016 by Birmingham-based pianist and composer David Ferris. The music written for this band draws from his experience of playing in large fully-orchestrated groups, and smaller more improvised settings, and focuses on melody and warmth, with influences ranging from John Scofield to Fred Hersch to The Beatles.
For their debut album recording, the band was joined by special guest singer Maria Väli, a graduate of the renowned Trondheim Conservatory and member of the multi-award winning Estonian Voices. The new music for the project includes settings of poems by WB Yeats, Seamus Heaney, WH Auden and Ted Hughes. That this has been supported by Arts Council England gives an indication of its quality.
Dave Ferris is a name to watch from the scene in Birmingham. Having graduated with a first class degree from the Conservatoire, where he was taught by the likes of Hans Koller, he continues to mentor young musicians and develop new projects. He has been previously at the Vortex as part of the Birmingham Jazz Orchestra.
Maria Väli – Vocals
David Ferris – Piano, Composition
Hugh Pascall – Trumpet
Richard Foote – Trombone
Chris Young – Alto and Soprano Saxophone
Vittorio Mura – Tenor and Baritone Saxophone
Nick Jurd – Bass
Euan Palmer – Drums
“One to watch.” – Helen Mayhew, Jazz FM
“A young musician of great promise.” – Ian Mann, thejazzmann.com
