Norwich Jazz Club presents: The Best of Basie

Monthly jazz night for Norwich. An informal evening of food, drink and vibes for the jazz lover.

Sunday 29th November

The Front Row Big Band plays The Best of Basie

featuring Crystal Cowban (vocals)

The Norwich-based Front Row Big Band led by the genial tenor saxophonist and raconteur Martin Eaton have just celebrated their 3rd birthday. It’s been a busy 3 years that have included themed shows, Swing Dances and concerts working with virtuoso trumpeter Mike Lovatt, peerless singer Matt Ford and multi-reed genius Alan Barnes.

Tonight they delve into the back-catalogue of the great Count Basie from the 1930’s onwards, including his collaborations with singers Joe Williams, Tony Bennett, Frank Sinatra and especially The First Lady Of Song - the legendary Ella Fitzgerald.

Basie was renowned for having the most dynamically-swinging bands over a 49-year band-leading career, introducing star soloists saxophonists Lester Young and Eddie ”Lockjaw” Davis, plus trumpeters Harry Edison, Joe Newman and Thad Jones - all working round The Count’s economical piano style and Freddie Greene’s superb rhythm guitar-playing.

Expect an evening of swinging jazz with detours into the world of James Bond, The Beatles (and with the band's must-see annual A Swingin’ Christmas gig at Dunston Hall just around the corner) a couple of Basie based Christmas tunes.

Doors 6pm / music from 7.30-10pm