Much Ado About Jazz is something a bit different. It's a show aimed at people who don't necessarily like jazz, as well as those who do!
"After years on the road we have lost track of the number of concertgoers complaining that much jazz is aloof, self-indulgent and lacking in any real melodic content: jazz which is sometimes sarcastically referred to as 'Meet-me-at-the-end-Jazz'. As a result, we revisit some much-loved (mostly) jazz classics and present them with a lot of energy so that the audience not only feel more involved, but also gain an insight into how jazz musicians work on stage. If you add to that a large dose of dry humour, you'll hopefully start to get a feel for what our performance is all about." - Chris Gumbley
Chris Gumbley (Saxophone, Clarinet & Bass Clarinet)
Since graduating from Huddersfield School of Music in 1979, Chris has had a colourful career, playing with all manner of groups including The Temptations, Four Tops, Pasadena Roof Orchestra and Birmingham Contemporary Music Group.
In 1987 he founded Gumbles Jazz Club in Stafford, his home town, which ran for over 20 years, and even hosted his own BBC radio show, Jazzbeat, for a short while.
In addition to playing, he composes, runs his own publishers (Gumbles Publications) and examines all over the world for ABRSM.
Al Gurr (Piano)
Al graduated from the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire in 1991, since when his accomplished, highly original playing has graced a diverse selection of artists including Alfie Boe, Hayley Westenra, Blake, Leslie Garrett, Alan Barnes and Art Themen - both in TV and live performances.
In addition to his piano playing, Al lectures at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, mentoring and coaching the next generation of producers in the music tech department. He also has a piano teaching post at Rugby School.
“An exciting jazz duo whose comical timing is as good as their musical timing.”
“Al and Chris had us in fits of laughter - but not because of the music!”