RBC Big Band: Let it be Told

RBC Jazz Orchestra: Let it Be Told

Let It Be Told is an album by saxophonist and composer Julian Argüelles (pictured) and includes arrangements of compositions by Dudu Pukwana, Mongezi Feza, Johnny Dyani, Miriam Makeba as well as an atmospheric development of Abdullah Ibrahim's much loved composition The Wedding. Richard Williams writes: 'When the five musicians (Mongezi Feza, Dudu Pukwana, Johnny Mbizo Dyani, Chris McGregor, Louis Moholo-Moholo) of the Blue Notes left the apartheid state of South Africa to settle in Europe in 1964, finally establishing a home in London the following year, they brought with them a sound whose echoes are still evident after half a century. Like so much jazz through the ages, it expressed a profound yearning for freedom, but in this case articulated through the use of dance tunes, hymns and other music from the townships of their native land.'

Julian Argüelles was a founding member of Walsall Jazz Orchestra and joined Loose Tubes at the age of 20. Since then Julian has become an internationally-acclaimed and influential musician. His accolades include a Parliamentary Jazz Award nomination for his 2014 album Circularity and a place on the BASCA shortlist for his composition Hocus Pocus.

He has worked with a long list of international artists including Hermeto Pascoal, Dave Holland, John Taylor, Kenny Wheeler, John Abercrombie and Bill Frisell.

Julian Argüelles was made Honorary Fellow of Royal Birmingham Conservatoire in 2017.

6.30pm support - Walsall Jazz Combo
7.15pm main show

Running time approx. two hours