Having been conceived almost by accident as a result of a film score he was writing, the Matthew Herbert Big Band now has two acclaimed albums and a string of prestigious international performances under its belt. From the Sydney Opera House and Montreaux Jazz Festival to London’s Royal Festival and Barbican Halls, Herbert’s band has thrilled audiences across the globe with its theatrical and visually stunning shows.
Though the band’s repertoire incorporates well-known songs from a range of his previous projects, much of the focus is on 2008’s
There’s Me And There’s You, a ground-breaking album featuring some 400 performers and a wide-ranging exploration of the theme of power.
The dialogue between the classic sound and instrumentation of the Big Band and Herbert’s relentlessly spontaneous and experimental approach continues in live performance. While the electrifying power and energy of 16 musicians breathes life into his compositions, Herbert constantly explores new possibilities, often by sampling the band and audience live on stage.
The result is a performance with enormous dynamism and scope, combining the grand sweep, swing and swagger of the big band with moments of tender intimacy. Joining Matthew and his Big Band will be Basement Jaxx vocalist Vula Malinga – definitely one not to be missed.
‘The sensory assault – visual as well as aural – is innovative and inspired.’ The Times
Duration 90 mins.