Led by acclaimed pianist Watkis, the performances will feature reworkings of classic songs from the war era such as St Louis Blues and Royal Garden Blues.
Dubbed The Jazz Sounds of WW1, the pop-up shows will take place at iconic spots around Birmingham city centre today (13 November). For the full programme, see below.
The performances are the fruits of an intensive mentorship scheme led by Watkis, Kinch, trumpeter Byron Wallen and tenor saxophonist Jean Toussaint, to assist five local musicians in marking the centenary of the war.
It forms part of a nationwide initiative, Expressions of War, developed by London based arts organisation Small Green Shoots and funded by Arts Council England.
Watkis said: ‘Because it involved an unfamiliar style of jazz that I didn’t grow up listening to, The Jazz Sounds of WW1 has been a really challenging project.
‘However, there is a clear social connection between this music and events in war torn Europe, and you can definitely hear the foundations for what came later with pioneers such as Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington and Fats Waller. In effect, it set the precedent for the Roaring Twenties and the Jazz Age.’
Natalie Wade, director of Small Green Shoots, added: ‘It is vital that everyone in our society, and particularly young audiences, can engage with commemorations of the First World War’s 100th anniversary.
‘This is precisely what The Jazz Sounds of WW1 is aiming to do. By revisiting music of the 1914-1918 era, Trevor and his team of players will bring to Birmingham a thought-provoking, timely and unique series of performances.’
Events programme, 13 November
Cannon Hill Park Bandstand: 12-12.30pm
Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery: 13.30-14.00pm
Library of Birmingham: 15.00-15.30pm
Bullring (High St busking point): 17.30-18.00pm
Dubbed The Jazz Sounds of WW1, the pop-up shows will take place at iconic spots around Birmingham city centre today (13 November). For the full programme, see below.
The performances are the fruits of an intensive mentorship scheme led by Watkis, Kinch, trumpeter Byron Wallen and tenor saxophonist Jean Toussaint, to assist five local musicians in marking the centenary of the war.
It forms part of a nationwide initiative, Expressions of War, developed by London based arts organisation Small Green Shoots and funded by Arts Council England.
Watkis said: ‘Because it involved an unfamiliar style of jazz that I didn’t grow up listening to, The Jazz Sounds of WW1 has been a really challenging project.
‘However, there is a clear social connection between this music and events in war torn Europe, and you can definitely hear the foundations for what came later with pioneers such as Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington and Fats Waller. In effect, it set the precedent for the Roaring Twenties and the Jazz Age.’
Natalie Wade, director of Small Green Shoots, added: ‘It is vital that everyone in our society, and particularly young audiences, can engage with commemorations of the First World War’s 100th anniversary.
‘This is precisely what The Jazz Sounds of WW1 is aiming to do. By revisiting music of the 1914-1918 era, Trevor and his team of players will bring to Birmingham a thought-provoking, timely and unique series of performances.’
Events programme, 13 November
Cannon Hill Park Bandstand: 12-12.30pm
Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery: 13.30-14.00pm
Library of Birmingham: 15.00-15.30pm
Bullring (High St busking point): 17.30-18.00pm
