What’s on this 2024-25 season
Julian Bliss Septet
Blackburn Theatre, Prestfelde School, Shrewsbury
‘The Sound of Film – Jazz in Hollywood’ showcases some of the greatest music from the movies. Starting with silent film and the early talkies, the band echoes music from wartime & Fred Astaire films, musicals and even the classic Disney blockbusters. Toe-tapping, glorious nostalgia with great tunes such as ‘Cheek to Cheek’, ‘As Time Goes By’, ‘Sing Sing Sing’, ‘Days of Wine and Roses’ and ‘My Favourite Things’.
Formed in 2010, The Julian Bliss Septet quickly became widely known for their trademark inspiring jazz-fuelled shows which have captivated audiences across the globe. Their dazzling virtuosity, extraordinary musicianship and charming humour shines through their programmes of swing, Latin, American and jazz music.
Expanding their repertoire and working with new genres of music, the group used their mastery of Western classical, swing and jazz to complement the rich heritage of Latin and wider American traditions. Co-founder Neal Thornton (piano) created a programme of new arrangements of the instantly recognizable style of Gershwin and his contemporaries (‘Celebrating Gershwin’). Including music from ‘Porgy and Bess’, ‘Rhapsody in Blue’ and popular favourites – ‘I Got Rhythm’, ‘Embraceable You’ and ‘Lady Be Good’: timeless classics.
A recording of the Gershwin programme “I got rhythm” released in 2021 received rave reviews: “impressive recording by talented clarinettist Julian Bliss and his excellent Septet .. Bliss’s quick-fire clarinet starts weaving free-flowing improvisational lines around the tune from the very outset .. jaw-dropping, side-stepping vibes solo .. the whole ensemble is on fire” – Gramophone.
£20
Children and full-time students £10
DIRECTIONS
