Concert to celebrate birth of Nat King Cole
The BBC Big Band, and their special guest vocalist, Atila, will present a concert to celebrate the centenary of the birth of Nat ‘King’ Cole at The Apex next month.
One of the most iconic vocalists of the 20th the singer’s influence continues to form a cornerstone of popular culture. Crossing the boundaries of jazz and popular music, he conquered the world’s hearts with a voice of pure velvet. ‘When I Fall In Love’, ‘Smile’, ‘Unforgettable’, ‘Let There Be Love’ – everything he sang became a classic, and they’ll work their magic all over again in this swinging celebration.
An awesome 16-piece jazz powerhouse, The BBC Big Band is now widely regarded as Britain’s premier big band and has won the prestigious ‘Best Big Band Award’ at the British Jazz Awards eight times.
Atila’s internationally-renowned interpretations of the American Songbook take influence from early Frank Sinatra. Atila has toured extensively with the legendary Buddy Greco, who said: “I was knocked out by Atila. He has the voice and the class to show the world what great music is all about.”
The concert will include Nat’s most famous songs, alongside a selection of music from the orchestras that Nat loved to work with, arranged and curated by the BBC Big Band and their conductor, Barry Forgie.
The BBC Big Band is at The Apex on Sunday, November 3, at 7.30pm, see www.theapex.co.uk or ring 01284 758000 for more information or to book tickets.