M F J O

Mike Fletcher Jazz Orchestra

Mike Fletcher – alto sax/woodwind/compositions
Tom Challenger, Lluis Mather – tenor sax/woodwind
Sean Gibbs, Robbie Robson, Nick Malcom – trumpet
Kieran Mcleod, Richard Foote – trombone
Andy Johnson – tuba
Dan Nicholls – piano
Chris Mapp – bass
Jonathan Silk - drums

The Mike Fletcher Jazz Orchestra began life in Birmingham in 2006 as a group of young musicians with a shared love of the long and varied tradition of big band music from Count Basie and Duke Ellington to Thad Jones and beyond. Since this time the focus of the project has evolved along with Mike’s interest in more experimental large ensemble composition, although still retaining a clear link to the music’s rich history. The 12-piece line-up is slightly reduced from the more traditional ’16 men swinging’, and makes for a more nimble formation that nevertheless retains the power of a full big band.

As well as performing Mike’s original music, the ensemble regularly collaborates with visiting soloists and composers. In 2013 they performed with acclaimed New York saxophonist Andrew D’Angelo and drummer Dan Weiss, and in 2016 they performed a piece by contemporary classical composer Anna Meredith that was specially commissioned for the orchestra by Symphony Hall Birmingham.

MFJO - As A Star Might Scream

MFJO feat. Dan Weiss performing 'As A Star Might Scream' (M. Fletcher)
CBSO Centre, Birmingham. January 2013.

Percy Pursglove, Mike Adlington, Matt Gough, Sam Wooster - Tpt
Kieran McLeod, Richard Foote, Rob Anstey - Tbn
Dan Weiss - Drums

MFJO - Where Are You

MFJO feat. Andrew D'Angelo (Sax) & Dan Weiss (drums) performing 'Where Are You' (M.Fletcher) CBSO Centre Birmingham January 2013.

Percy Pursglove, Mike Adlington, Matt Gough, Sam Wooster (solo) - Tpt
Kieran McLeod, Richard Foote, Rob Anstey - Tbn
Mike Fletcher, Huw Morgan, Chris Morgan, Lluis Mather, Andy Isherwood - Sax
Simon King - Guitar
Andy Bunting - Piano
Nick Jurd - Bass

MFJO - Next Time, Last Time/Where are you?/As A Star Might Scream

Performed live by Mike Fletcher Ensemble, Birmingham, UK 04/2016

Mike Fletcher - alto sax/woodwind/compositions
Tom Challenger, Lluis Mather - tenor sax/woodwind
Sean Gibbs, Robbie Robson, Nick Malcom - trumpet
Kieran Mcleod, Richard Foote - trombone
Andy Johnson - tuba
Dan Nicholls - piano
Chris Mapp - bass
Jonathan Silk - drums