The Ellington Piano Project (Jazz Quartet)

The Ellington Piano Project – Album Release Tour

Duke Ellington's final recording was made at Eastbourne's Congress Theatre in 1975. To mark the 50th anniversary, leading jazz musicians Arnie Somogyi (bass) and Mark Edwards (piano) have recorded 'The Ellington Piano Project' using the original piano from that historic concert.

We're delighted to welcome back Arnie Somogyi to Forsyths, following his performance with the James Pearson Trio as part of Manchester Jazz Festival in May. He's joined by Mark Edwards, Dutch tenor sax virtuoso Gideon Tazelaar, and drummer Matthew Holmes.

The album features fresh reworkings of Ellington classics alongside original compositions inspired by his improvisations, with guest vocalist Sara Oschlag on two tracks. Due for release in October 2025 on Rubicon Jazz, the album launch is accompanied by a nationwide tour that will culminate in a special anniversary concert at Eastbourne's Congress Theatre on 12th October – returning to the very venue where Ellington's final recording took place.

"Musical re-imaginings these days so often mask the material they seek to champion. This album, however, does precisely the opposite, offering us a new view on a legend mapped a million different times already. In this, its significance is as noteworthy as its brilliance."

– Simon Spillett, award-winning saxophonist and writer.

Mark Edwards piano

Arnie Somogyi bass

Gideon Tazelaar sax

Matthew Holmes drums

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