Julian Joseph and the RNCM Big Band Present The Atomic Mr Basie
Contemporary jazz pianist Julian Joseph joins the RNCM Big Band in October for a performance of The Atomic Mr Basie as part of Manchester Science Festival.
Released in 1958 and subtitled E=MC2, The Atomic Mr Basie is widely recognised as Count Basie’s most famous and critically acclaimed albums. A calling card for legendary trumpeter Neal Hefti, who wrote and arranged the majority of tracks, it defined Basie’s 1950s style, often described as sparse and at times virtuosic.
Julian Joseph is one of the finest jazz pianists of his generation and leader of his legendary All Star Big Band: an 18 to 20-piece ensemble that combines the best of British jazz talent. For this concert, which also includes a set of his own arrangements, he takes a step away from the norm to share the stage with the RNCM Big Band; a thriving ensemble featuring aspiring musicians on the verge of professional careers.
Mike Hall, Director of the RNCM Big Band, said: ‘Julian is one of Britain’s leading jazz celebrities and it’s great to be welcoming him back to the College after his last performance here 10 years ago.
‘This concert, the first of the season for the RNCM Big Band, juxtaposes his present-day music with a complete performance of one of the classic, seminal big band albums of Count Basie, so I really think it has something for everyone.
‘Julian’s regular band is all about that incredible all-star line-up that has seen his reputation flourish world-wide. This time, as he leads our young musicians, the onus is on us to deliver that quality, which is something I know we are more than capable of doing.’
Launched in 2007 and produced by the Museum of Science and Industry (supported by Siemens and the University of Salford), Manchester Science Festival runs from 23 October to 2 November in 40 venues across Greater Manchester. With more city-wide and creative collaborations than ever before, this diverse and inspiring event features world premières, internationally acclaimed art and artists, cutting-edge science, comedy, hands-on workshops, evening events, talks and a jam-packed family programme all designed to inspire, engage and immerse visitors of all ages with the science that lives all around us.
30 September 2014
