The Urban Big Band

The Urban Big Band is a 17-piece band based in North London, comprising 5 trumpets, 4 trombones, 5 saxes and 3 rhythm, originally formed in 1998 to allow like-minded professional players and instrument teachers to play great big band music.

Regular rehearsals allow the band to maintain a high standard of playing, with a strong ensemble sound and capable soloists in all sections. It performs concerts and pub gigs in London and the vicinity, and has appeared at jazz festivals, corporate engagements, and a number of prestigious jazz venues.

The band has a large library, built on a solid foundation of music originally performed by the great big bands of Maynard Ferguson, Buddy Rich, Woody Herman and, of course, the legendary Count Basie. Add to this a variety of modern arrangements branching out into funk (e.g. Earth Wind and Fire's 'Fantasy'), fusion (e.g. Weather Report's 'Birdland'), and the complex rhythms of Latin America, and they have a mix that is received with great applause from audiences.

Use the links on the left to listen to sample recordings or to get details of upcoming gigs.