After the success of last year’s concert, 16 piece jazz orchestra, Barnes Big Band, is coming back to St Mary’s Church, Frensham on the evening of Saturday 13th September. The band plays wide ranging and accessible big band jazz including the music of the Count Basie Orchestra, right through to more modern compositions written for the Barnes band by musicians associated with it over the years.

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This year’s programme will include music from top big band arrangers Thad Jones, Sammy Nestico, Quincy Jones, Gordon Goodwin, Tom Kubis, Dave Barduhn and Francy Boland.

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Joining the band this time is top jazz singer, Vanessa Rose, to perform some vocal favourites made famous by Natalie Cole, daughter of the legendary Nat King Cole. Vanessa first sang with the Barnes band in a concert in May this year but is well known on the London jazz scene for her rich and soulful performances.

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The band comprises some of the finest jazz musicians in the London area. It is led by Dockenfield based trombonist Andrew Butcher who has played with the band for approaching 20 years but took over in 2018 from Stan Reynolds, a trumpet player with the internationally renowned Ted Heath Orchestra.

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The concert will start at 7.30 pm but the bar will be open from 7pm and will remain open throughout the concert. Tickets are £25 and include canapes that will be served at the interval. Proceeds from the concert will go towards Frensham and Dockenfield Churches.