The Beatles' 'ABBEY ROAD' album is the basis of Mike Westbrook's 'OFF ABBEY ROAD' project,- a re-creation by contemporary musicians of one of the master works of pop music. Premiered in Reggio Emilia, Italy in December 1988 as part of a Festival celebrating The Beatles, 'OFF ABBEY ROAD' was an instant success with audiences and critics.
From 1989-91 the Westbrook Band toured 'OFF ABBEY ROAD' throughout France, Germany, Italy, and Switzerland, appearing in many of the major European jazz festivals. A particular highlight was the 1990 Montreal Festival where the Band played an open-air concert to an audience of 30,000.'OFF ABBEY ROAD' made its UK debut with two performances at the Electric Cinema in Portobello Road, London, which were filmed for German TV, Recorded 'live' at the 1989 Willisau Jazz Festival, the 'OFF ABBEY ROAD' album was released in 1990 on ENJA Record's new TipToe label.
In 1995 'OFF ABBEY ROAD' was revived specially for a Beatles Festival in Trento, Italy. During '96 there were performances in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Italy, Finland, France and the UK. The Mike Westbrook Band, specially formed for 'OFF ABBEY ROAD', brings together some of the outstanding jazz performers associated with Westbrook's music in recent years.
Kate Westbrook (voice. tenor horn. piccolo),
Phil Minton (voice. trumpet).
Andy Grappy (tuba),
Peter Whyman, Alan Wakeman (saxophones),
Brian Godding (guitar).
Peter Fairclough (drums),
Mike Westbrook (piano).
OFF ABBEY ROAD
Mike Westbrook Band:
The music of The Beatles Music arranged by Mike Westbrook. Produced by William Strode and Mike Westbrook. |
