MASSIVE CHOPS

MASSIVE CHOPS is Massive Fun, Grooves and Musicality. Stidwill’s arrangements and compositions exude a playfulness that belie their depth, originality and complexity. A bold new voice in the large ensemble arena” – Jo Lawry

MASSIVE CHOPS is a groove-centric Big Band who draw influence from a broad range of artists and bands such as CASIOPEA, Louis Cole, Herbie Hancock, Snarky Puppy and Ron Kenoly. They seek to create a futuristic large ensemble sound with a focus on fusing different instruments and incorporating electronic synth elements as well as instruments from all over the world.

As an ensemble, they have already performed together in 3 major concerts, most notably the EFG London Jazz Festival 2024 as well as having recorded multiple tracks in the studio. MASSIVE CHOPS are already contributing and strive continue to create a fresh sound in the world of big band music.

The pieces they will play at World Heart Beat will mostly be original compositions and arrangements with many that have been specifically written for this concert. They will  feature many artists who will be introduced throughout the night.

JOSH STIDWILL

Formed in 2022, MASSIVE CHOPS was created by and is led by producer, composer and arranger Josh Stidwill who studied Jazz Composition & Arranging under Scott Stroman, Gareth Lockrane and Tom Richards at the Guildhall School of Music & Drama. As a writer, he has already collaborated with prominent names in the global jazz scene such as Bill Laurance and Callum Au. 

Starting out as a music producer and DJ, Stidwill has an inclination to incorporate groove and modern feel to the setting of a big band. He regularly records and engineers his own sessions with horn and string sections constantly arranging new material. His production focused approach to writing for large ensemble can be heard clearly in his compositions and arrangements as they bring multiple sound worlds together in a unique yet complimentary way.