Lunchtime Special: The London Jazz Flute Big Band Directed By Gareth Lockrane

In 2005 US based jazz flautist Ali Ryerson had an interesting idea. Instead of the usual big band line up (saxes, trumpets, trombones etc) she thought, why not just make them all flute players! So she did! Instead of saxes there were concert flutes, instead of trumpets alto flutes, bass flutes replaced the trombones and with a sprinkling of contrabass flutes and piccolos the Jazz Flute Big Band was born, going on to record a successful album, "Game Changer" which was received with significant critical acclaim. Fast forward to 2015 and on his return to the UK after 40 years in the US, writer and flautist Peter Westbrook thought it would be a great idea to set up a UK version of the JFBB, with whom he had worked in the US...and so he did. As a jazz flute player myself this all seemed to make perfect sense to me and so, after several successful gigs already performed in and around London, I thought it was about time the Jazz Flute Big Band-London made it to the 606. Organised by Peter and this afternoon directed by one of the UK's greatest jazz flute players Gareth Lockrane, this promises to be something quite special. The Band will perform arrangements specially written for this ensemble from both the US and UK and is packed full of some of the finest flute players in the country, including the likes of Allison Neale, Rowland Sutherland, Tori Freestone, Eddie Parker and Keith Waithe and features a rhythm section that includes the award winning Tom Cawley on piano and Ryan Trebilcock on bass. And if I'm really well behaved they may even let me play myself. Special gig this and should be a great way to spend a fun Sunday afternoon. And don't forget this is our family day so children are more than welcome!