2011 Festival Commission – 'A Suite for Leasowes' - A dazzling fusion of jazz and classical ensemble

Saturday 16th July

New Perspectives brings together 12 talented and compelling musicians to create a rich and unique jazz-based experience. Formed in 1993 it has a remarkable legacy of commissioning composers from both the jazz and classical world. Its recording ‘Five Housman Settings and 0ther Jazz Works’ with singer Jacqui Dankworth was selected by the Sunday Times as ‘the outstanding British jazz release of the year’.

On Saturday 16th July New Perspectives presents the premiere of its latest venture. ‘A Suite for Leasowes’ features specially commissioned compositions from Huw Warrne, Graham Lyons, Gwilym Simcocks and the legendary Jamaican jazz composer Herman Wilson.

The natural, warm, acoustic sound of New Perspectives, classical and jazz timbres creatively intertwined, should prove to be a sublime opening concert for the Festival.

'A heartening triumph'
Clive Davis, SUNDAY TIMES

'Superbly crafted and scintillatingly executed by musicians exhibiting real cameraderie'
GRAMOPHONE GOOD JAZZ CD GUIDE

'Delicate ensemble playing and inspired jazz solos'
Dave Gelly, OBSERVER

'Casts fresh light on Duke Ellington’s Reflections in D and Gil Evan’s adaptation of the Maids of Cadiz'
Clive Davis, SUNDAY TIMES

''Williams' music comes from the heart, not the classroom and it’s immense fun to listen to'
Jerome Wilson, CADENCE