Chetham’s Lunchtime Concerts
Carole Nash HallTake a lunch break and enjoy this free recital by some of the UK’s most exciting young musicians! Discover the...
FROM THE BLUES AND BASIE TO THE BIG SCREEN AND BEYOND
From the Blues and Basie to the big screen and beyond: Tracing the evolution of big band music from its earliest beginnings to 2025.
“Reinventing the big band…” – Jazzwise Magazine
“…one of the UK’s most effortlessly fluent big bands” – Jazz Alert
“…a truly great band.” – Jazz Views
With our full 18-piece big band, Strictly Smokin’ Big Band tell the story of jazz, swing, and big band history from its inception to the present day, showcasing music by some of the most popular, groundbreaking and adventurous musicians in history.
The development of big band jazz was not an easy journey—its story is fraught with racial inequality, gender stereotyping, and harsh realities. However, the music that was created lives on as a testament to those who helped forge it, and remains just as relevant today as ever.
From the cotton plantations of the Deep South to blockbuster film soundtracks – big bands have survived everything from financial depressions, world wars, pop-mania, and technological advances.
Time After Time shines a spotlight on jazz’s most iconic names and will bring you all the way to the big band music of 2025…
Featuring the music of Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Charlie Parker, Stan Kenton, Thad Jones, Maynard Ferguson, Sarah Vaughan, Buddy Rich, Gordon Goodwin, Mark Nightingale, Woody Herman plus The Incredibles film score and much more…
Please note that on occasion substitute musicians and vocalists are used without notice.
