Pigfoot Play Ellington – Jazz at NAC

Pigfoot was formed by Chris Batchelor in 2013 to play classic 1920’s New Orleans material, spontaneously re-invented through the band’s wild musicality and wry humour. Their inquisitive exploration of repertoire then led them further afield, through a series of gigs entitled Pigfoot Play… Here they extended in all directions, with sets dedicated to Opera, Motown, Elvis, Bacharach and the hits of 1972.

Now they present a new programme: Pigfoot Play Ellington, an imaginative reworking of a range of Duke Ellington’s iconic compositions, from the early Cotton Club blues material to Swing hits and through to the exotica that was inspired by Ellington’s extensive travels.

The members of Pigfoot are all devotees of the Ellington sound – the muted rasp of trumpeter Cootie Williams, the poised grace of Harry Carney’s baritone, the dense crunch of Duke’s piano voicings and the buoyant bounce of drummer Sonny Greer are all reflected in the engaging and individual approaches of Chris Batchelor, James Allsopp, Liam Noble and Paul Clarvis. An entertainingly riotous, swinging, delicate and atmospheric account of Ellington’s legacy is promised.

Line up

Chris Batchelor – trumpet/cornet
James Allsopp – baritone sax/bass clarinet
Liam Noble – piano/keyboard
Paul Clarvis – drums

“Pigfoot will remind you of music you loved, and make you love it all over again. It’s the sort of artistic mission that could give jazz a good name.” – Jon Turney Londonjazznews

“….jagged piano runs, and fiercely sparring horns conjure a Fats Domino meets Sun Ra love-in….Fun, engrossing and rather addictive.” – Ian Patterson allaboutjazz.com

“Damn, do these guys have a good time!” – Peter Bacon thejazzbreakfast.com

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