home >> fougou jazz >> Mike Westbrook Band of Bands

This is an afternoon concert with the music starting at 3.00pm. Why not treat yourself to Sunday lunch at the hotel (details here) or, if a bar meal is more to your liking, then check out their menu here. To book a meal call the hotel on 01803 299666

“A band for all seasons from composers with a gift for conjuring up the gladness of hearts. Here’s to Life!” Andy Robson in Jazzwise

“Westbrook’s Band Of Bands could hardly be better titled.This is a new band, comprised of master musicians who have played in the Westbrooks’ line-ups across the decades, from the street-wise Brass Band to the assembled masses of the Uncommon Orchestra.” Andy Robson in Jazzwise

“Mike Westbrook’s music never ceases to surprise, shock and delight in equal measure.” Nick Lea Jazz Views

“What makes the album particularly distinctive are Kate’s singing, – as eloquent, audacious,, expressionist and versatile as ever- and that idiosyncratic inclusion of Street’s accordion. A masterstroke.” Geoff Andrew, Notes and Observations

“The rhythm team of Marcus Vergette and Coach York enhances the intensity of the front line with empathy, rock solid time and driving momentum.” Phil Johnson, London Jazz

“Chris Biscoe and Pete Whyman are, arguably, two of the most simpatico musicians to have played with the Westbrooks. The alto sax chase on Billy Strayhorn’s Johnny Come Lately is one of the album’s many highlights”

“The sheer quality of Karen’s playing whether supporting Kate on her tour de force take on Friedrich Hollaender’s Black Market or soloing on the blues – drenched Gas, Dust, Stone, is simply superb.” Duncan Heining, **** All About Jazz

“English jazz, icon, pianist, composer and bandleader Mike Westbrook rewards jazz fans’ continuing interest with one of his best albums in many years.A great place to dip in to begin a journey into the mind and music of a total one-off.” Stephen Graham. *** marlbank

“Band Of Bands explodes with a joy and energy which is captivating from the opening notes of Glad Day to Coach York’s solo on What I Like. Band of bands and band of friends.” Duncan Heining, **** All About Jazz

“Whether he is writing for a trio or a 20 piece orchestra, Westbrook’s style is unmistakable. He combines instruments in unique ways, twists conventional jazz forms into surprising new shapes and seasons it all with delicate touches of humour and irony.” – The Observer

In Band Of Bands there are re-creations of Westbrook classics alongside new songs, and arrangements of some lesser-known standards, all interpreted by some of UK’s most creative and distinctive soloists.

Kate Westbrook ”one of the most unique, expressive and flexible voices one could find between the Atlantic and the Urals”- Jazz Magazine (France)
Mike Westbrook “Whether he is writing for a trio or a 20 piece orchestra, Westbrook’s style is unmistakable. He combines instruments in unique ways, twists conventional jazz forms into surprising new shapes and seasons it all with delicate touches of humour and irony.” – The Observer
Chris Biscoe “He’s made the territory between post-bop and free-jazz entirely his own, deploying his arsenal of bent tones, slithering runs and bluesy multiphonics.” – The Guardian
Karen Street “the accordion of the remarkable Karen Street transfixed the audience with a long unaccompanied improvisation…..the most astonishing single piece of playing I’ve heard this year.” The Blue Moment
Pete Whyman “A fine virtuoso.The level of technical certainty was awesome.” – The Guardian
Marcus Vergette “Musician, bell-maker, sculptor, Marcus was born on the banks of the Mississippi River in Southern Illinois. He is a bass player renowned for his Mingus-influenced prowess.” Paintbox
Coach York “..powerhouse kit work – very hard, granular, crystalline and totally rock solid.” London Jazz

Supported by Airshaft Trust