Doors 7:00 PM, Music 8:00 PM – 2 set(s) of music
Line-up:
Billy Marrows – Guitar / Baritone Guitar
Dijan Mbanu – Flute
Chris Williams – Alto Saxophone
Tom Ridout – Tenor / Soprano Saxophones / Clarinet
Gustavo Clayton Marucci – Bass Clarinet / Clarinet
Mike Soper – Trumpet
Anna Drysdale – French Horn
Olli Martin – Trombone
Angus Bayley – Piano
Teresa Macedo Ferreira – Viola
Jonas Mbanu – Electric Bass
Ben Brown – Drums
About
This gig is a rare chance to hear Billy Marrows and the full 12-piece Grande Família play music from their critically acclaimed debut album ‘Penelope’. The album launch at Pizza Express Live Soho in May sold out over two months in advance, see below for a montage from that gig.
“An exhilaratingly original sound, at once intimate and expansive” ★★★★ Editor’s Choice in JAZZWISE
The ‘Penelope’ album was recorded as a surprise for Billy’s mother Penny during her struggle with pancreatic cancer in summer 2023. Released in her memory at the end of January 2024, all proceeds go to World Child Cancer to help children in developing countries beat cancer, raising over £3000 by release day. Billy formed the 12-piece chamber-jazz ensemble Grande Família for the ‘Penelope’ album, including his girlfriend Teresa Macedo Ferreira on viola and extended family members Jonas Mbanu on bass and Dijan Mbanu on flute alongside some of Billy’s favourite musicians. Their inventive contemporary jazz spans a wide emotional spectrum, with narrative and melody at its heart.
“Melodic and distinctive…an album of inventive and contemporary chamber-jazz” ★★★★ All About Jazz
“The album is a triumph…with his Grande Família project, Marrows has created a spectacular new ensemble” Jazz Views
“I could not recommend Billy Marrows’ incredible album ‘Penelope’ any higher. It’s among the most beautiful, rich, textured and emotive music I’ve heard in years” Jamie Doe, aka The Magic Lantern