Part of manchester jazz festival 2025. Tickets on sale Friday 14 February, 10am.
In 2000, mjf commissioned and premiered its first ever new work: New Futures, written by composer, trumpeter and mainstay of the local scene Richard Iles. 25 years later, to help celebrate mjf’s 30th edition, we’ve re-commissioned Richard to revisit and re-develop his concept for the piece, now featuring some ex-students who’ve since benefitted from his expert tuition alongside players from the original line-up.
Performed by The Miniature Brass Emporium, his fifteen-piece ensemble that combines elements of funk, soul, and contemporary jazz, the sound is versatile and dynamic, showcasing a range of moods, from roaring ensembles to sensitive and impressionist pieces.
“…expect ensemble writing and playing of the highest order, with colourful orchestrations and textures combining with improvisation from both the younger and the more established generation of the North-West’s performers.” That’s how the mjf 2000 brochure anticipated the premiere at what was then The Green Room – now Gorilla.
Over the years, Richard has written music to feature virtuoso saxophone players Iain Ballamy, Andy Schofield and Iain Dixon – all of which have been premiered at previous Manchester Jazz Festivals. Initially the band was all brass, but is now expanded to include saxophones, broadening the sound palette and increasing the possibilities for Richard’s compositional style.
As a member of the Creative Jazz Orchestra, Richard performed with notable musicians Kenny Wheeler, Mike Gibbs, Anthony Braxton, Vince Mendoza, Peter Erskine, and Bill Frisell. As a member of the Scottish National Jazz Orchestra directed by Tommy Smith, he accompanied jazz legends Joe Lovano, Kurt Elling, John Scofield, and Gary Burton. All this has had a huge effect on his compositional style and approach to building a jazz ensemble.
The current iteration of The Miniature Brass Emporium is an invigorating balance of both young and older players. His student alumni are fast-rising players already forging their own careers, and Richard’s long-time colleagues Mike Walker, Les Chisnall, Eryl Roberts, Tim France and Pete Turner are all stalwarts of the Manchester and national jazz scene.
mjf gratefully acknowledges the support of PRS Foundation and Granada Foundation towards the creation of this project – also, fittingly, the two funders of the original commission in 2020.
Seating for this show will be unallocated. If you have any access requirements, please do let us know at boxoffice@stollerhall.com or on 0333 130 0967 (lines open Tuesday – Thursday 1.30pm – 4pm). You can find out more about access in our building here.
