Gilles Perterson presents: The Heritage Orchestra

The Heritage Orchestra is an exuberant band of young musicians from England, brought together by Chris Wheeler. With forty of them - complete with strings, brass and woodwinds, jazz soloists and rhythm section - they provide an explosion of unadulterated entertainment.

The music is as unique as the band itself. Conductor Jules Buckley's compositions have it all: jazz, funk, classical, soul, ... More than once the pieces start cautiously, then gradually swell and burst into a dazzling finale. It sounds like a mix of beats, vibrant, loungey big band music and dazzling film music. You feel like you're at a 1940s club night. Live, this gang will rock your socks off in no time! Want to bet?

Curriculum

The Heritage Orchestra has built up an impressive curriculum in its short existence. The group not only collaborated with The Royal College of Arts and Brian Eno, but also with Chris Bowden (Ninja Tune, Soul Jazz). A selection of Bowden's music was adapted to the band's line-up by Jules Buckley in ten days. After a few performances, the group received an invitation for a recording session, which would be broadcast on Gilles Peterson's radio show on the BBC. This also gave them a free pass to release their debut album on Gilles Peterson's new label Brownswood Recordings. The self-titled album was released in October 2006 and is a breath of fresh air within the big band genre.

Quote

"It's a dream to hear this music"

Gilles Peterson