Pocket Ellington

Alex Webb – Piano/MD
Tony Kofi – Tenor Saxophone
Alan Barnes – Alto Saxophone
David Lalljee – Trombone
Andy Davies – Trumpet
Dave Green – Double Bass
Winston Clifford – Drums

Born out of Tony Kofi (reeds) and Alex Webb (piano)’s shared love of Ellington, The Pocket Ellington manages what ought to be impossible – creating a classic Ellingtonian sound with just four horns and a rhythm section. But with Kofi, Alan Barnes, Andy Davies and David Lalljee on hand, anything is possible. Veteran bassist Dave Green and powerhouse drummer Winston Clifford provide the swing.

Great charts from the 1930s and 1940s – Main Stem, Rain Check, Cotton Tail, Chelsea Bridge and others – are presented in clever new arrangements which evoke the period but also offer solo space to these top-flight musicians.

The repertoire also includes pieces from artists and arrangers who were influenced by the Duke – Charles Mingus, Thelonious Monk and Gil Evans. It’s a big sound from a pocket band.