Introducing a new music project – ‘the 22 Jazz Orchestra’ simply named to represent the prodigious talents of ‘the 22′ musicians who make up this exciting new orchestra.
Created by musician, pianist, composer and arranger David Mellor the orchestra will support ‘the 22 Jazz Academy’ an educational facility for aspiring and talented young jazz musicians.
Appearing in concert halls & theatres ‘the 22 Jazz Orchestra’ will perform a range of music from some of the world’s most famous Jazz composers and instrumentalists including Michel Legrand, Duke Ellington, Miles Davis and Quincy Jones. There’s music from vocalists such as Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder, Michael Buble, Tony Bennett, Diana Krall and others. In addition ‘the 22’ will perform exciting new compositions by David Mellor and members of the orchestra.
Having an orchestral string section allows for romantic music to be in the programme and amongst this is a ‘French Set’ based on music from Woody Allen’s movie ‘Midnight in Paris’ featuring Django Reinhardt’s Gypsy Jazz and also Soprano Saxophone tracks by Sidney Bechet played by leading UK jazz musician Alan Wakeman. This section features Britain’s foremost exponent of the accordion, Karen Street in a cameo French café scene. This and other items will be a step away from regular jazz concerts and feature dance and imaginative staging to leave the audience with special and lasting memories.
Importantly, the scope of ‘the 22 Jazz Orchestra’ will spread way beyond their memorable performances, for with their music they will bring a commitment to involve the community by way of educational rehearsal workshops. These will show how an orchestra is created, the rehearsal process, how to get the best from all the sections and to encourage audience participation with the orchestra personnel in question and answer sessions.
It’s a big project but the opportunity to go on and develop ‘the 22 Jazz Academy’ as a result of it all will be worthwhile. Nurturing the talent and enthusiasm of young musicians striving for success, more than anything will be a real achievement and a legacy to leave for future generations. Music education is so important for a young person’s development, if it teaches nothing else it teaches discipline for life, but also provides opportunities for travel and can provide lasting friendships throughout the world.
A NOTE FROM DAVID…
Where Exceptional Music Meets Extraordinary Talent
We believe that exceptional music deserves extraordinary talent. That’s why we partnered with the renowned Scottish Session Orchestra and Clockwork Sessions to bring our musical vision to life. We were thrilled to also work with Grammy Award winning Producer, David Donaldson who masterfully mixed and mastered our recording session.
Listen below for a taster of the music you can expect from David Mellor and ‘the 22’ Jazz Orchestra.
LISTEN NOW
‘Watch What Happens’ – Written by Michel Legrand, arranged by David Mellor and ‘the 22’, performed by SSO, Clockwork Sessions and David Mellor.
‘Cuando Vuelva Tu Lado’ – Written by María Grever, arranged by David Mellor, performed by SSO, Clockwork Sessions and David Mellor.
‘Day Dream’ – Written by Billy Strayhorn, lyrics by John Latouche, arranged by David Mellor, performed by Alan Wakeman (alto sax), SSO, Clockwork Sessions and David Mellor.
‘I Can’t Stop Loving You’ – Written by Don Gibson, arranged by David Mellor, performed by SSO, Clockwork Sessions and David Mellor.
We are excited to extend a heartfelt invitation to you as we begin the journey of establishing ‘the 22’ Jazz Orchestra. As you can imagine, bringing together a 22-piece ensemble, complete with sound, lighting, transport, wardrobe, music, management, and logistics, is a significant undertaking that requires not only passion but also the support of visionary individuals like yourself.
Your involvement at this early stage is crucial and can make a transformative impact on our mission to enrich the cultural landscape and provide educational opportunities through music. By supporting ‘the 22’ Jazz Orchestra, you are championing the arts and helping to cultivate a vibrant community where creativity thrives.
We are immensely grateful to those who have already joined us on this journey, and we invite you to become part of this exclusive circle of patrons who believe in the power of music to inspire and connect.
We would be honoured to discuss how you can play a pivotal role in bringing ‘the 22’ Jazz Orchestra to life.
Please reach out to us at thethinkaheadgroup@gmail.com to explore this exciting opportunity together.
NEEDS YOU