• Origin Scotland
• Edinburgh, Wednesday 14th June, 2023

Adding jazz to the mix - Origin Scotland launches the Origin Big Band

New from Origin and starting at the 2023 Festival events this summer, our 16-piece Big Band!

In addition to our regular line-up: the Foot Stomping Gospel Band, the choir, the orchestra, the Origin Band, we now add big-band-style jazz to our festival events for 2023.

Big band jazz is characterised by vibrant rhythms, and intricate melodies come together to create an electrifying musical experience. Originating in the early 20th century, contemporary big band jazz captures the essence of a bygone era which left an indelible mark on music history.

Big band jazz emerged during the swing era, gaining popularity in the 1930s and 1940s. It was a time when large ensembles, typically consisting of around 10 to 25 musicians, took center stage, producing a rich and dynamic sound. Led by charismatic bandleaders such as Duke Ellington, Count Basie, and Benny Goodman, these orchestras showcased the exceptional talents of instrumentalists and vocalists alike.

Improvisation plays a crucial role in big band jazz, allowing soloists to shine within the larger ensemble. Yet, it is the synergy and energy of the entire ensemble, with meticulously arranged compositions and carefully crafted harmonies, that sets big band jazz apart.

The infectious rhythms of big band jazz have always been synonymous with joy and celebration. Whether it's the energetic dance tunes or the emotive ballads, big band jazz has an ability to transport listeners to a different time and place, evoking a sense of nostalgia and capturing the essence of an era rich in cultural expression.

Origin will bring together sacred and secular tunes to make a cohesive whole, and will provide a great opportunity to bring friends to a Christian event in the festival.

The Origin Big Band launches on Thursday 17 August at 8pm at Charlotte Chapel, Shandwick Place, Edinburgh.