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Telephone:
David Bolton 07789 773509 or click here to email to enquire about booking the IMU Big Band. |
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Next Performances: We are looking forward to playing at Colchester Road Baptist Church Monday 26th February 2024 7:30pm 75 Colchester Road Ipswich No tickets required. A collection will be taken to support the band and Tearfund who tackle poverty and injustice through sustainable development, by responding to disasters and challenging injustice. Suggested donation £5 Hope to see you there!
Monday 26th
February 2024
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The Ipswich Musicians' Union Big Band was formed over 30 years ago as a rehearsal band for the benefit of local musicians wanting to play 'Big Band Jazz' for their own pleasure. Their repertoire ranges from big band standards to more contemporary arrangements by Chick Corea, Sammy Nestico, Maynard Ferguson and Gordon Goodwin, to name a few.
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The Paul Davis Band 1981
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For a number of years they went under the name of 'The Paul Davis Big Band' during which time they had regular gigs in Felixstowe, also playing alongside Billy Eckstein and backing Buddy Grecco in London.
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The Heat's On |
In 1983 the band recorded their first album, "The Heat's On" (on vinyl of course!) at Hillside Studios, Ipswich, featuring several musicians who still play with the band over 20 years later! Click here to hear a short excerpt from the title track featuring George Smallwood on Tenor Sax.
After Paul left, the band was directed by Bob Bennett, a local trombonist, teacher and arranger, who, until recently, worked full time for the Musician's Union.
The
band recorded their latest album, "Hullaballoo" in 2011. Recorded
at the Gemini Studios
in Ipswich, the CD includes 11 tracks including "My Funny
Valentine", "Sweet Georgia Brown", "Spring can really hang you up
the most", "Bahia Alegre" and "Mr Smooth" (which was recorded in
memory of Stephen Evans).
Copies of the album are available for £10 from the band gigs or phone 07789 773509..
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Ipswich School 22nd January 2007 |
The band is directed by David Bolton, a local
trumpet player, music teacher and music director. Under his
directorship, the band has consistently been one of East Anglia's
leading Big Bands. Recent performances have included concerts at
Ipswich School Music Festival, the Royal Hospital School, Isaacs
bar on the waterfront and the new Apex Theatre in Bury St Edmunds,
the Dereham Jazz Club and the Mulberry Tree, Ipswich.
Click
here to hear a portion of Bubblehead, recorded live at the
Royal Hospital School in 2005.