The Duncan Fraser Big Band came into existence almost a decade ago, forming in 2010. At this time my writing was heavily influenced by the sound and work of the great Kenny Wheeler.

The band was awarded the title of 'Best Jazz Act' at the 2011 South West Music Awards and then went on to record my debut album 'Dealing in Wheeler' later on that year, which was released by Esteem Records in 2012. The players in the band (we were all under 25 years old when we recorded!) have all gone on to become very in demand across the London Jazz scene or as session musicians regularly working in London's West End. Some have even gone on to International recognition performing with some of the biggest acts in the world! This record stands as many of these wonderful musicians first recording (you heard them here first!), and provides a wonderful time capsule of the ensemble's and individual's sounds at that time as well as standing as a work on its own. 

Since then the Big Band (an increasingly rare bird now) has developed in tandem with my own voice as an arranger and I have used the Big Band to feature my own arranging in a more traditional, swinging style combined with my love of writing in a Cuban style. In recent years outings for the band have included performing the Duke Ellington Sacred Concert with a full Choir and vocal soloist, as well as a couple of outings at London Jazz venues to perform my 'Yuletide Suite' which features arrangements of traditional Christmas songs for contemporary Big Band.

One of these days I'll dust off the pads and get a reunion gig scheduled! Although I'm always up for a collaboration with this ensemble, so if you think you might want to use us then please get in touch.

You can also get your hands on a copy of Dealing in Wheeler in the store.