Abstract Truth Big Band Feat. Dave & Judith O'Higgins Dir. by Jorg Achim Keller at 606 Club

“The Blues and the Abstract Truth” was a seminal album, recorded in February 1961, featuring material composed and arranged by the iconic saxophonist Oliver Nelson. After more than 50 years it still sounds fresh and vibrant with a unique approach to harmony and melodic improvisation. The big band today will be directed by Jörg Achim Keller, currently the musical director of the NDR Radio Big Band in Hamburg, previously MD of HR Radio Big Band (Frankfurt). He is one of the most respected and sought after writers in Europe and has written and/or conducted for productions that featured the likes of Chet Baker, Joe Pass, Eliane Elias, Michael Brecker, Jack Bruce and Mike Stern...

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“The Blues and the Abstract Truth” was a seminal album, recorded in February 1961, featuring material composed and arranged by the iconic saxophonist Oliver Nelson. After more than 50 years it still sounds fresh and vibrant with a unique approach to harmony and melodic improvisation. The big band today will be directed by Jörg Achim Keller, currently the musical director of the NDR Radio Big Band in Hamburg, previously MD of HR Radio Big Band (Frankfurt). He is one of the most respected and sought after writers in Europe and has written and/or conducted for productions that featured the likes of Chet Baker, Joe Pass, Eliane Elias, Michael Brecker, Jack Bruce and Mike Stern. Jörg´s version of The Blues And The Abstract Truth was originally written for the German HR Radio Big Band (Frankfurt) and is a contemporary update, expanded for 17-piece big band. It uses some of the soloistic highlights from the original small group recording, along with Keller’s celebrated individual writing style, which is itself steeped in the influence of Oliver Nelson. This unique project, put together by Judith and Dave O’Higgins has, not surprisingly, attracted some of the finest players on the UK scene (which, of course, includes saxophonist Dave O’Higgins himself). The line up of this powerhouse band includes the likes of Martin Shaw, Henry Armburg Jennings, Mark Nightingale, Trevor Mires, Howard McGill, Sammy Mayne, Judith O’Higgins, Graham Harvey, Geoff Gascoyne and Sebastiaan De Krom and as is the case with jazz Big Bands there will be substantial room for these brilliant soloists to perform. This amazing band is making a special appearance at the Club as a “warm up” date for an album to be recorded at Abbey Road studios, so this is likely to be the only chance to hear all these players live under one roof. A rare gig by this truly exceptional Big Band and clearly not to be missed.

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