MIKE LOVATT’S BRASS PACK LIVE!
Internationally renowned trumpeter Mike Lovatt (BBC Big Band, Walt Disney’s Snow White, The Crown, Avengers Endgame, Judy) announces that a brand-new live album from his hugely popular ensemble Mike Lovatt’s Brass Pack will be released on Wed 7 May, and a very special live launch concert at the University of West London on Tue 6 May.
Recorded at Birmingham Town Hall, Mike Lovatt’s Brass Pack Live! features an eye-catching, ear-pleasing, toe-tapping track list full of crowd-pleasers such as a Sinatra overture, Miss Otis Regrets, I’m Gonna Live Til I Die, Dindi, I’ve Got The World On A String, In the Still of the Night, Young at Heart, Frank and Ella, plus more.
The Brass Pack’s hand-picked ensemble of 25 is drawn from the UK’s top virtuoso instrumentalists. Each of them highly successful in their own right, the players come from richly diverse musical backgrounds encompassing jazz, swing, contemporary and classical styles, while all music is expertly and originally arranged by Mike’s collaborator and friend Colin Skinner (Syd Lawrence Orchestra, Shirley Bassey, Jessye Norman, Billy May, Tony Bennett).
On the new album, the ensemble is joined by esteemed vocalists Louise Clare Marshall (Jools Holland’s Rhythm and Blues Orchestra, Roxy Music, Ella Fitzgerald, Aretha Franklin’s American Songbook), and the UK’s most experienced and in-demand Swing Era vocalist Matt Ford (The Syd Lawrence Orchestra, BBC Big Band, Len Philips Swing Orchestra, John Wilson Orchestra), who add their own touch to some classics.
Mike Lovatt’s Brass Pack is inspired by the iconic 1958 Capitol Records Album Billy May’s Big Fat Brass and with their impeccable musicianship and energy, this ensemble effortlessly captures the essence of the era, delivering a performance that is both nostalgic and fresh; listeners will be transported to a time when big bands ruled the airwaves with rich harmonies, dynamic melodies, and intricate rhythms.
Mike Lovatt says: “A collaboration between two great friends, Mike Lovatt’s Brass Pack started life during the worldwide pandemic. Colin Skinner and I have always admired Billy May’s music and in particular the iconic 1958 album Billy May’s Big Fat Brass with its unique line-up, featuring the cream of Hollywood studio musicians.
“Our first project was recorded in each musician’s home studios, living rooms and kitchens all over Europe and even on a rooftop in Cuba, it was the birth of an ensemble directly inspired by Billy May’s Big Fat Brass.
“Since then, Mike Lovatt’s Brass Pack has gone on to perform live to packed houses throughout the UK and we can’t wait to share this new album and bring it to a stage near you!”
Renowned as Principal Trumpet of The John Wilson Orchestra, Mike is also Guest Conductor and Lead Trumpet of the BBC Big Band. He is featured as soloist on many film and TV scores including Walt Disney’s Snow White, Netflix’s The Crown, Marvel’s Avengers Endgame and the Judy Garland biopic Judy.
Mike has worked with many great musicians, notably Jessye Norman, John Eliot Gardiner, Seth MacFarlane, Quincy Jones, Robbie Williams, Eric Clapton, Michael Bublé, Oasis, Michel Legrand, Tony Bennett, David Arnold, Michael Giacchino, Toots Thielmans, Michael Ball, Danny Elfman, the LSO, and as Guest Director of the Swedish Radio Symphony Orchestra.
The album launch concert at Weston Hall, University of West London on Tue 6th May is a chance to see tracks from the album performed live before anyone else. Places are limited and tickets are available here
Mike Lovatt’s Brass Pack Live! will be available on wobplay, World of Brass, iTunes and Amazon from Wed 7 May.
