Monday 15 November at 3:00pm

Will Rees-Jones + Friends

Jazz, Festival

Will Rees-Jones + Friends

Will Rees-Jonessaxes
Harry Toulsonsax
Immy Churchillvocals
Sol Grimshawguitar
Will Hobsonpiano
Toby Yappbass
Anmol Moharadrums
Chloe Dickensviolin/vocals
Nicole Petrus-Barracksviolin
Benedict Bailyviola
TBCcello

Ralph Porrett Quintet

Eliana Sandavocals
Ruta Sipolafute
Harry Toulsonalto sax
Rory Hudsondouble bass
Ralph Porrettguitar

Will Rees-Jones + Friends is a collaborative band playing Will's original folk inspired jazz. Originally conceived during lockdown in 2021, the band released their debut EP in late May to great success, and has evolved into a full band incorporating singers, strings as well as a jazz sextet being the beating heart of the group. Drawing on influences from Julian Lage, Peter Knight, Joe Lovano and Phony Ppl, “Will Rees-Jones + Friends” is a band that does not shy away from experimentation but is firmly grounded in the jazz tradition, creating a warm, lush sound that grooves like hell.

In 2020, Ralph was the first ever guitarist to perform in the BBC Young Jazz Musician Final. He has also performed at the Barbican, 02 Arena, Royal Albert Hall, Wembley Stadium and Birmingham Town Hall. Memorable moments include performing at the Proms, playing with the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra and hearing the orchestral arrangements CBSO commissioned him to write, performed at Symphony Hall in 2019 by ‘Project Remix’.

The quintet has built up an impressive resume over the last 8 months, including performances across the UK - most notably at Pizza Express (Dean Street). Unconventional frontline instrumentation paired with a drummer-less rhythm section creates a unique sound world and a canvas for musical interaction. Their set will include a mixture of original compositions and pieces by jazz composers as diverse as Bill Frisell to Gwilym Simcock, which have been arranged especially for Ralph Porrett’s Quintet.

Milton Court Concert Hall

Admission Free