Tom Harrison Quartet feat; Cleveland Watkiss at Hen And Chicken

The Music of Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn

In a new project from London-based saxophonist Harrison, four unique instrumental personalities will interpret the music of the great Duke Ellington..

The Ellington Project aims to explore the music of the genius jazz legend and his long-time collaborator Billy Strayhorn. Following a year of intensive study of Ellington's music, Harrison aims to bring some of the jazz giant's more obscure music to light, as well as focussing on better known compositions. Five gigs of this 9-date tour, including the project launch at Pizza Express, Dean St will be recorded live, with a view to producing and releasing an album of the performances later in 2016. Featuring prominently in the group is acclaimed vocalist Cleveland Watkiss, as well as MOBO-nominated drummer David Lyttle and Young Musician of the Year, double bass player Adam King....

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The Music of Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn

In a new project from London-based saxophonist Harrison, four unique instrumental personalities will interpret the music of the great Duke Ellington..

The Ellington Project aims to explore the music of the genius jazz legend and his long-time collaborator Billy Strayhorn. Following a year of intensive study of Ellington's music, Harrison aims to bring some of the jazz giant's more obscure music to light, as well as focussing on better known compositions. Five gigs of this 9-date tour, including the project launch at Pizza Express, Dean St will be recorded live, with a view to producing and releasing an album of the performances later in 2016. Featuring prominently in the group is acclaimed vocalist Cleveland Watkiss, as well as MOBO-nominated drummer David Lyttle and Young Musician of the Year, double bass player Adam King.

Cleveland Watkiss, described by The Evening Standard as The best male vocalist in Britain, Cleveland famously won the Best Male Vocalist category of the Guardian Jazz Awards for three consecutive years. His performance credits range from Bob Dylan to The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, as well as many jazz legends such as Wynton Marsalis and Art Blakey.

Also appearing will be veteran multi-award-winning drummer and Irish Jazz Musician of the Year David Lyttle, who will bring his own eccentric personality to this well-trodden music. On the bass is rising star Adam King, one of the most in-demand bass players on the London scene. Expect some of the lesser known tunes from the great composer’s repertoire, as well as classic favourites.

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