The Urban Big Band

Thanks to everyone who came to see us at Googlies! If you would like us to play at your favourite venue, let us know!

The Urban Big Band is a 17-piece band based in North London, formed in 1998 to allow like-minded musicians to play great big band music.

Regular rehearsals allow us to maintain a high standard of playing, with a strong ensemble sound and capable soloists in all sections. We generally perform in and around London, and have appeared at jazz festivals, corporate engagements, and various well-known 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 we have something for every occasion.

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