Doors 7:45 PM, Music 8:30 PM – 2 set(s) of music
Line-up:
Jonny Ford – Conductor / Tenor Saxophone
George Millard, Tom Smith – Alto Saxophone
Chris Maddock, Alex Western-King – Tenor Saxophone
Mick Foster – Baritone
James Davidson, Tom Dennis, George Jefford, James Copus – Trumpet
Harry Maund, Robbie Harvey, Rory Ingham – Trombone
Eddie Curtis – Bass Trombone
Billy Marrows – Guitar
Matt Carter – Piano
Joe Lee – Double Bass
Luke Tomlinson – Drums
About
Bringing the Jonny Ford Jazz Orchestra to the Vortex for the first time, Jonny Ford is one of the rising stars of the UK jazz and big band scene. Having worked with Mica Paris, Rebecca Ferguson, Heather Small, Cory Wong, The NDR Big Band, The Gareth Lockrane Big Band and The Matt Carter Octet, he brings together some of the UK’s most exciting improvising musicians to play a thrilling set of his brand-new original music.
Throughout the evening you’ll be taken on a journey through intricate layers of orchestral jazz, infused with vibrant energy, exceptional skill, and unwavering passion. The Jonny Ford Jazz Orchestra is a collective of individual artistic voices, and the music has been constructed to feature the extraordinary talents of each individual.
His music draws influence from the eminent big band composers Bob Brookmeyer, Thad Jones, Jim McNeely, Vince Mendoza, Kenny Wheeler, Nikki Iles, and Maria Schneider, alongside broader influences encompassing elements from the music of Joe Henderson, Stan Sulzmann, Olivier Messiaen, and Shai Maestro.
Jonny’s voice as a saxophonist and composer have garnered acclaim from luminaries in the jazz world. Stan Sulzmann recognises Jonny’s “lyrical flowing saxophone lines and bright compositions,” while Kit Downes applauds his “beautiful sound and sense of melody” as well as his exploration of “new and interesting directions compositionally.” The legendary Jerry Hey praised Jonny for his “Nice chart and great playing!!” and London Jazz News wrote “Simply beautiful, mature playing with a commanding, ringing tone”.