The Change

Founded in 1965, NYJO is world famous as a showcase for the UK's best young jazz musicians and many of the current generation of British jazz stars have risen through its ranks. Their superb new CD, 'The Change', represents an exciting new dawn for the big band with a broadening of repertoire, style and leadership. Joining NYJO as guests on the CD is inspirational saxophonist and composer Tim Garland along with the mighty talent of drummer Mark Mondesir, both of whom help take the band into a new realm of artistic excellence.

Overseen by new Music and Artistic Director Mark Armstrong 'The Change' also sees NYJO look forward artistically with new connections and directions, as well as celebrating its 47 year history with music that respects the great legacy of the big band sound. The recording also spotlights a particularly strong team of jazz soloists and presents a colourful variety of grooves and styles.

Particularly noteworthy are two specially commissioned pieces by Tim Garland; "Dawn before Dark before Dawn", written for NYJO's 45th anniversary appearance at Ronnie Scott's and "Agro Alegria", a sequel premiered at the 2012 BBC Prom series. Both feature Tim alongside world class drummer Mark Mondesir (formerly of The Jazz Warriors). Other notable NYJO commissions on the recording are Nikki Iles' "Hush", and "Barbara", commissioned from Julian Joseph for the band's 2012 appearance at Ronnie Scott's, both of which show the gentler textures available in the ensemble.