Take Five

We’re all delighted here at Efpi Towers as our very own Ben Cottrell (of the Beats & Pieces Big Band) has been selected along with seven other musicians from across the country to participate in this year’s edition (the seventh) of the ‘Take Five‘ professional development scheme, produced by Serious and funded by the Jerwood Charitable Foundation, the PRS for Music Foundation, Arts Council England, and the Musicians’ Benevolent Fund. This is a really prestigious scheme that many of the UK’s leading jazz musicians have taken part in, including Seb Rochford, Tom Cawley and Matthew Bourne, as well as Manchester’s very own Stuart McCallum, Neil Yates and Kirsty Almeida. We look forward to hearing all about it!

Beats & Pieces Big Band @ Matt & Phred’s, Manchester

Hometown gig to end our November tour – one for the diary, if only to see us try to squeeze onto the stage… Details tbc

Beats & Pieces Big Band @ Lescar, Sheffield

Return to the Lescar following our amazing gig there in October 2009! Details tbc

Part of the Beats & Pieces Big Band November tour

Beats & Pieces Big Band @ Spice of Life, Soho (London Jazz Festival)

Doors 7pm, tickets £10 – more details here

Part of the Beats & Pieces Big Band November tour

Beats & Pieces Big Band @ Wardrobe, Leeds

One of the Tuesday Chillout series. 8pm, FREE ENTRY

Part of the Beats & Pieces Big Band November tour

Beats & Pieces Big Band @ Parr St Studios, Liverpool

8pm, FREE entry (donation requested!). Venue info here

Part of Beats & Pieces’ November tour

Beats & Pieces Big Band @ Y Theatre, Leicester

With Stuart McCallum and ZOO – 6.50pm, tickets £12/£10. More details here

Part of Beats & Pieces November tour