12C NATIONAL YOUTH JAZZ ORCHESTRA ‘Basie & Beyond’

The National Youth Jazz Orchestra return to Lichfield to perform their Heritage programme, featuring bespoke arrangements of classic American Songbook melodies, led by NYJO Artistic Director, Mark Armstrong.

William James ‘Count’ Basie is an icon, whose impact on the jazz canon cannot be overstated. He formed the Count Basie Orchestra in 1935 and led the ensemble for over 50 years. Against a backdrop of anti-Black violence & oppression, he brought joy and innovation to the art of Big Band. As jazz transitioned from the dance floor to the concert platform, Basie kept the spirit of swing alive, transforming the music for the Atomic era, but keeping true to the soul of its roots. In this programme, Basie & Beyond, NYJO explores the impact on popular music made by Basie & twentieth-century Black American artists that followed: Frank Foster, Dizzy Gillespie, Tadd Dameron, Oliver Nelson, Quincy Jones and Thad Jones.

Sponsored by Jerry Sykes

On Sale Dates:

LFF Priority Booking (Founder, Platinum, Millenium, Gold): Tuesday 19th April
LFF Priortiy Booking (Silver and Bronze): Tuesday 26th April
General Public: Tuesday 3rd May