Dr Jazz and the Cheshire Cats: Fats Waller’s London Suite
Fats Waller wrote his six-movement London Suite during his trip to the UK in 1939. The Suite was later orchestrated for British bandleader Ted Heath. In their inaugural performance as a Tung Affiliate Ensemble, Dr Jazz and the Cheshire Cats Big Band present their unique version of the London Suite with internationally-renowned pianist Adam Fairhall as soloist. A 'transatlantic trip' becomes the theme for the second half, featuring the Cats' vocalists Jo Robinson-Howarth and Peter Whittles in a selection of swinging songs illustrated with photographs from the University's Cunard Archive.
Over the past fifteen years, Adam Fairhall has forged an international reputation as a jazz pianist and keyboard improviser of exceptional versatility and striking individuality. Based near Manchester, England and highly active on that city’s burgeoning creative music scene, he is perhaps best known as the pianist in Nat Birchall’s Coltrane-inspired band, and as an eclectic, ‘Ragtime-to-Free’ solo pianist.
Dr Jazz and the Cheshire Cats big band was formed in 2002 by musical director Catherine Tackley, Professor of Music at the University of Liverpool. Featuring two fantastic vocalists, the band has a wide repertoire, with a particular reputation for authentic performances of swing from the 30s, 40s, 50s and beyond. As a result, the band is in high demand to play for vintage dancing.
In 2022 the band celebrated its twentieth year with a concert in the Tung Auditorium. Other highlights from the past two decades include performances at venues as diverse as the Royal Northern College of Music, Tatton Park, the Troxy in London and Invisible Wind Factory in Liverpool as well as tours to Ireland, Cornwall and London.
Promoted by Dr Jazz and the Cheshire Cats.
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A booking fee of 9% will apply to purchases made by telephone or online.
Access seats are available to visitors with additional access requirements such as wheelchair users. Sign-up to the access scheme to book these seats.
This performance is not likely to be suitable for children under 5 due to the acoustics in the auditorium.Children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Under-10’s are not permitted to sit on the balconies.
Food and hot drinks are not permitted in The Tung Auditorium.
The Fröhlich Café Bar is open for drinks 90 minutes prior to the start of each performance and during the interval. We recommend pre-ordering your interval drinks before the performance starts.
This concert will last approximately 2 hours including an interval.
Read the booking full terms and conditions here.