This Sunday 10 July, Omnibus Theatre plays host to the National Youth Jazz Orchestra Quintet. Led by Artistic Director and trumpeter Mark Armstrong, the NYJO quintet is a bijou showcase for some of the hottest up-and-coming musicians the industry, stepping out of NYJO’s big-band setting for one night only.
Ahead of the show we demanded they tell us their favourite jazz musicians. And honestly they may have just invented the world’s greatest supergroup.
So here it is: A quintet of amazing jazz musicians chosen by a quintet of amazing jazz musicians.
Miles Davis
Nominated by Mark Armstrong (Trumpet)
I would say Miles Davis, because of the way he led the evolution of the music through many different periods and because many of his recordings, like Cookin’, Kind of Blue, Porgy and Bess, and Seven Steps to Heaven were what inspired me to become a jazz musician and remain amongst my favourite recordings to this day.
Chris Cheek
Nominated by Sam Glaser (Alto Sax)
He is an incredible improviser with a warm and characterful sound on all saxophones. He is also an exciting composer and bandleader.
Phronesis
Nominated by Joe Hill (Piano)
Tough to pick one out! But i’ll go with Phronesis, the piano trio made up of Ivo Neame, Jasper Hoiby and Anton Eger. I’m picking this trio because I think they bring something completely unique to piano trios with their use of rhythm and compositional devices. They play very complex pieces with various different time signatures, but the way they play the tunes makes them sound easy and accessible. The dynamic between the three of them is also fantastic – with each member contributing to compositions, memorising the music, and exploring new ideas.
Ray Brown
Nominated by Linus Fenton (Bass)
I love Ray Brown because his note choices always serve the song so well and his tone is so full-bodied. He swings hard; his walking feel is extremely pushy and I love his mix of bebop and bluesy language when soloing. My favourite Ray Brown recordings are with the Oscar Peterson Trio, especially the albums Night Train and The Trio: Live From Chicago.
Jeff Hamilton
Nominated by Max Mills (Drums)
I nominate Jeff Hamilton (the drummer) because of his musicality, technique and the fact he’s a brilliant small band jazz drummer as well as a ridiculous big band drummer!
The NYJO Quintet are at Omnibus Theatre on Sunday 10 June – grab your tickets HERE