Hailing from Manchester, Beats & Pieces are a young 14-piece who deftly combine a vintage big band sound with contemporary influences. With international recognition and sell out shows to their name, they've been making a significant impact on the jazz scene since their beginnings in 2008.
Beats & Pieces take the classic big band sound and add slamming bass and drums, skronking guitar, wah-wah funk and retro 70s fusion to cook up a musical brew reminiscent of the maverick collective Loose Tubes. 'Big Ideas' features eight tracks all recorded live in the studio to capture the buzz and excitement of their live shows.
Led by founder and musical director, Ben Cottrell, the group received rave reviews for their Ronnie Scott's debut last year, described by The Guardian as a "tour de force" and they were winners of the 2011 European Young Artists' Jazz Award. Their members - all 28 or under - are drawn from some of the most exciting and in demand young musicians in the UK today They came together with a shared desire to perform a contemporary ensemble repertoire and their influences include big bands and the jazz canon, The Beatles and contemporary artists such as Radiohead and Bjork.
Personnel: Ben Cottrell (director), Anthony Brown, Sam Healey, Ben Watte (saxophones), Tim Cox, Simon Lodge, Paul Strachan (trombone), Owen Bryce, Graham South, Nick Walters ( trumpet), Anton Hunter (guitar), Patrick Hurley (piano/Rhodes), Harrison Wood (bass), Finlay Panter (drums)
