Trumpeter, Arranger & Musical Director Chris Coull presents a bold new jazz suite inspired by George Gershwin’s iconic opera, Porgy and Bess.
Featuring award-winning vocalist Imogen Ryall and an all-star rhythm section—John Turville (piano), Simon Thorpe (bass) and Matt Fishwick (drums)—the concert brings fresh life to timeless songs including ‘Summertime, I Loves You Porgy’ and ‘It Ain’t Necessarily So’ narrated and reimagined with hard bop grooves, lush ballads and Latin fire, the performance transports audiences to 1930s Charleston to follow the story of Porgy and Bess. Combining Gershwin’s original spirit with influences from Miles Davis, Gil Evans and Blue Note’s golden era, this is world-class jazz: dynamic, soulful and captivating.
Chris Coull
Chris Coull has forged a diverse and respected jazz career spanning performance, arranging, education and promotion. Originally from Manchester, he won the YTV Prize for Jazz Arranging before becoming musical director at Doha Jazz during the 2000s. For the past fifteen years he has become a major figure on the Brighton and Hove jazz scene, founding the highly successful Speakeasy Jazz Club and curating the long-running Jazz at St Andrews concert series. Through these platforms he has presented leading UK artists including Clare Martin, Tony Kofi and Alan Barnes, alongside internationally renowned guests such as Ralph Moore and Howard Alden. As both trumpeter and arranger, Coull combines lyrical playing with the traditions and language of the great lineage of post-bop jazz trumpeters.
“Chris Coull and the Rebirth Octet’s rendition of Miles Davis’ 1957 album ‘Birth of the Cool’ is far from just a note-for-note recreation.” Ivan Hewett – Daily Telegraph.
Imogen Ryall — Vocals
Imogen Ryall is a compelling vocalist celebrated for her expressive delivery, clear tone and emotional honesty. Her performances balance warmth, subtlety and strength, creating an immediate connection with audiences. Equally at home in intimate acoustic settings and larger contemporary jazz arrangements, Ryall brings nuance, clarity and theatrical instinct to every performance. Her growing reputation as one of the UK’s most engaging vocal talents is built on musical sensitivity, professionalism and a distinctive interpretive voice.
