The BBC Big Band: Featuring Claire Martin – – Centenary Hall

The internationally acclaimed BBC Big Band are joined by multi award-winning vocalist Claire Martin for an evening of world-class music, inspired by the great swing bands and legendary jazz vocalists of the 20th century.

Through a diverse repertoire arranged and curated by the BBC Big Band’s conductor Barry Forgie and Claire, the concert celebrates the music of the 20th century’s quintessential vocalists and big bands - whose legacy and influence continues to define a classic era of music.

Featuring music from the leading ladies of big band, such as Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday and Peggy Lee, alongside iconic bands and composers including the likes of Duke Ellington, Count Basie and Benny Goodman. A truly unique evening of world-class music, performed by one of the finest jazz orchestras!

“A wonderful band!”

Tony Bennett

“They brilliantly continue the tradition of Big Band music.

As such they are important, as well as marvellous!”

Michael Parkinson

“World-class musicians … a brilliant musical force”

The Telegraph

Claire Martin OBE

“Our finest jazz singer”

The Times

“She ranks amongst the four or five finest female jazz vocalists on the planet”

Jazz Times USA

“A consummate jazz singer with old-school virtues … she wins plaudits everywhere she works”

The Guardian