Friday 21st February 2025
“Sliding Through Jazz” with renowned trombonist and singer Chris Dean and his Quartet!
An Unforgettable Evening of Jazz and Classics! Join us for a night where cool standards meet the timeless gems of the American Songbook—with a few musical twists thrown in for good measure!
Chris Dean is one of the country’s foremost band leaders and singers and you will love this fabulous night of jazz and song!
This unforgettable evening showcases the rich, soulful sounds of the trombone, blended seamlessly with smooth vocals and dynamic improvisation. From classic standards to modern interpretations, the quartet brings timeless melodies to life, with Chris Dean’s masterful trombone taking center stage.
Experience the magic of swinging rhythms, velvety ballads, and vibrant bebop grooves, all delivered with the quartet’s signature flair and finesse. Whether you’re a die-hard jazz aficionado or new to the scene, this show promises to leave you tapping your feet and humming along!
Trombonist, jazz singer and session musician Chris Dean is a legend in his own right, celebrated by the music industry’s elite. Over the years, he has performed with icons like Frank Sinatra, Quincy Jones, Barbra Streisand, and Shirley Bassey, Tony Bennett and Michael Bublé to name just a few.
His musical fingerprints are all over the soundtracks of blockbuster films, including Superman 1V Out of Africa, Basic Instinct, Batman, Evita and seven James Bond classic movies such as The Living Daylights. A view to a kill. He’s worked alongside legendary composers like John Williams and Jerry Goldsmith, John Barry and has performed with top orchestras like the LSO and RPO.
Chris’s versatility doesn’t stop there. He’s contributed to pop albums for stars like Eric Clapton, Westlife, and Wet Wet Wet, Robbie Williams and has appeared on iconic TV shows such as The Benny Hill Show, Stars in Their Eyes, and several Royal Variety Performances.
From 1987 to 1992, Chris played lead trombone for the iconic Ted Heath Orchestra under Don Lusher, while simultaneously building his reputation as a bandleader. In 1991, he was entrusted with reviving the Geraldo Orchestra for a series of recordings and concerts.
By 1996, Chris had stepped into the role of leader of the Syd Lawrence Orchestra, carrying its legacy into the future with fresh energy and dynamic performances. Under his direction, the Orchestra continues to dazzle audiences worldwide.
Beyond the Syd Lawrence Orchestra, Chris remains in demand for session work, tours with his own big band and continues to innovate with exciting new projects.
Line up:
Chris Dean – vocal, trombone
Trevor Brown - piano
Andrew Robb – bass
Dave Tandy - drums
Andrew Robb - a rising star of double bass, was crowned the winner of the European Society of Bassists Jazz Competition in 2018. Andrew’s extraordinary talent blends classical precision with jazz soul. Hailing from Edinburgh, Scotland, he picked up the double bass at the age of seven and immersed himself in both classical and jazz traditions, earning accolades along the way.
By 2009, Andrew had already claimed the BBC Radio Scotland Young Jazz Musician of the Year award, leading to performances at the Edinburgh, Glasgow, and London Jazz Festivals. In 2019, he was named in a Scottish Review 20/20 Vision Young Scot of the Year, the sole representative for the arts—a testament to his growing influence. He is the bassist with the Syd Lawrence Orchestra
Trevor Brown - the master Arranger. Trevor Brown’s career is a symphony of television, music, and magic. Starting in 1978, he collaborated with TV musical director Alyn Ainsworth.
His work shaped countless television specials, from the Royal Variety Performances to BAFTA Awards and Nights of 100 Stars. Trevor served as musical director for five Royal Variety Performances, and his arrangements powered shows like Stars in Their Eyes and the early seasons of Pop Idol. With an innate gift for crafting unforgettable music, Trevor has left an indelible mark on the world of entertainment.
Dave Tandy - percussion virtuoso. Dave is a principal drummer for the Syd Lawrence Orchestra and performed with Chris alongside Rebecca Ferguson. He’s a rhythmic powerhouse and has shared the stage with some of music’s biggest stars. From performing with Gregory Porter to collaborating with Jools Holland and the BBC National Orchestra of Wales, Dave’s artistry spans genres and generations. He’s worked with Kathy Sledge, Sam Ryder, Mica Paris, and even the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, proving his talent as one of the most versatile drummers in the business.
www.syd-lawrence-orchestra.com
Video 1 (Chris Dean sings Tony Bennett): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T97dN0Ya0DY
Video 2 (“Skyliner” – Chris Dean and The Syd Lawrence Orchestra): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6jvtKjE59Fk
