Woodwind extraordinaire Pete Long is a musical institution, hugely popular for both listeners and dancers alike, in whichever of his various projects you can catch him. We’re delighted to have his six-piece band Pocket Basie opening the live music on the main stage on Friday night, playing all the great danceable Basie hits on the pared-down lineup of trumpet, tenor sax and a Basie style acoustic rhythm section.
Pete’s career has divided into three distinct streams: as an educator, working in master classes, and as soloist with young musicians all over Britain. In conjunction with this work, Pete has helped develop a new series of student woodwind instruments with a leading UK Manufacturer. As a jazz soloist, Pete has appeared with resident trios in the provinces, and has often been caught at Ronnie Scott’s, in London’s West End. It is however, as a bandleader and orchestrator that Pete spends most of his time currently, and directing the Big Band at Ronnie Scott’s alongside his own projects. These include his award-winning repertory orchestra Echoes Of Ellington, and of course the smaller (but just as swinging) outfit Pocket Basie, among others.