SGI-UK CELEBRATES UNESCO INTERNATIONAL JAZZ DAY

It has been my pleasure and honour to create the exclusive poster artwork Extensions of the Heart (Stoloff / Hancock) and to contribute as a Musician, for the SGI-UK supported  UNESCO International Jazz Day event –

                                                                                      “Ode to the Human Spirit 2014” 

Featuring: The Human Revolution Orchestra and special guests April 30th 2013  at Kings Place, 90 York Way London N1 9AG

“Music is an extension of the Heart” Herbie Hancock

To celebrate UNESCO World Jazz Day 2014, an initiative led by world- renowned jazz musician and SGI member Herbie Hancock, SGI-UK will present a concert featuring The Human Revolution Orchestra, a specially formed big band comprising of some of the finest jazz musicians in the UK and very special guests including multi-reed artist/Composer and SGI USA pioneer Bennie Maupin known best for his work with Herbie Hancock (Headhunters) and Miles Davis (Bitches Brew), renowned U.S pianist Marc Cary, and UK vocalists Lianne Carroll and Randolph Matthews.

The event seeks to celebrate jazz as a symbol of unity and peace: its universalism and inclusivity, freedom of expression, artistic innovation, and the opportunity it gives for mutual understanding, principles on which the formation of The Human Revolution Orchestra is based.

The Human Revolution Orchestra’s repertoire features classics from the American big band tradition along with compositions and arrangements by guest composers Pete Long, Paul Hart, Marc Cary, and pieces featuring big band and strings by Bennie Maupin which will be played for the first time in the UK.

Following an inspiring event held at SGI UK’s South London National Centre in Brixton in 2013, which perfectly embodied the spiritual and cultural objectives of the day, SGI members and professional musicians Sean Corby and Neville Murray have again put together an ensemble including some of the UK’s finest jazz musicians drawn from across the UK scene- young emerging stars, respected leaders, and alumni from Jazz Warriors, Loose Tubes, and NYJO.

“Jazz has been a force for positive social transformation throughout its history, and it remains so today. This is why UNESCO created International Jazz Day. From its roots in slavery, this music has raised a passionate voice against all forms of oppression. It speaks a language of freedom that is meaningful to all cultures. The same goals guide UNESCO in its efforts to build bridges of dialogue and understanding between all cultures and societies.”

Irina Bokova, UNESCO Director General

SGI-UK

Soka Gakkai International is a lay Buddhist network dedicated to personal inner-change and social contribution in 192 countries and territories. Rooted in the life affirming philosophy of Nichiren Buddhism, members of SGI share a commitment to the promotion of peace, culture and education.

As a non-governmental organisation (NGO) with formal ties to the UN, SGI is active in the fields of humanitarian relief and public education, with a focus on peace, sustainable development and human rights.

Book Tickets – http://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on-book-tickets/music/ode-to-the-human-spirit#.UzArQq1_vtF

Bennie Maupin – http://benniemaupinmusic.com/ 

Marc Cary – http://marccary.com/

Press – www.jazzwisemagazine.com/news-mainmenu-139/72-2014/13017-jazz-breaking-news-ode-to-the-human-spirit-celebrates-international-jazz-day-with-bennie-maupin-and-marc-cary-while-courtney-pine-heads-to-osaka

Human Revolution Orchestra – www.facebook.com/pages/The-Human-Revolution-Orchestra/1456873824524896

 

For further information contact: 

Lisa Cowan – Lisa.cowan@sgi-uk.org

Sean Corby – freedominstructure@yahoo.co.uk

 

The Human Revolution Orchestra is:

Trumpets: Noel Langley, Yazz Ahmed, John Eacott, Sean Corby

Saxophones: Tony Kofi, Christian Brewer, Martin Speake, Nadim Teimoori, Dai Pritchard, Gemma Moore

Trombones: Richard Edwards, Harry Brown, Ed Rieband, Jon Enright

Piano: Simon Purcell

Bass: Larry Bartley

Drums: Rod Young and Cosimo Keita Cadore

Percussion: Neville Murray, Graeme Evelyn and Dave Pattman

Guitar: Carl Orr

SGI UK Strings

Special Guests: Bennie Maupin, Marc Cary, Lianne Carroll and Randolph Matthews

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