Tuesday, 19 February, 2019

8.30 - 11.00pm
£10 on the door


John Altman Big Band

  • soprano sax, baritone sax & arrangements: John Altman
  • trumpets: Sid Gauld, Mike Lovatt, Rico Tomasso & Steve Waterman
  • trombones: Owen Dawson, Mike Feltham, Rory Ingham, Sarah Williams & Andy Wood 
  • reeds: Mike Coates, Robert Fowler, George Millard, Matt Wates & Martin Williams
  • guitar: Mitch Dalton
  • piano: Jim Watson
  • bass: Alec Dankworth
  • drums: Pete Cater
In early 1985 John Altman was asked to arrange an obscure Billie Holiday song for the young pop star Alison Moyet. It was her parents' favourite record and she'd grown up singing it. It was duly recorded as an album track, but then issued as a single and shot to the top of the charts within a week of release. Coincidentally at the same time John had to have a minor operation that put him at home for six weeks. He decided to use the time by creating a big band library for a one off gig at his local jazz club. Over thirty years later he's at his local jazz club playing a one off gig with the big band! Members of the original band will be here tonight with John plus an astounding roster of the top UK jazz musicians for the 32nd anniversary concert of the band that the Daily Telegraph called “the best big band in Europe”. With all  material written and/or arranged by John and showcasing the star studded line up of great jazz soloists this should be as memorable a night as were all the previous sold out performances at the East Side. John's long playing career has seen him perform with jazz giants Al Cohn, Jimmy Heath, Chet Baker, Bud Freeman and Joe Newman to name but a few.